A Warsaw court has ruled that Ukrainian national Wołodymyr Z. will remain in custody until October 7 while authorities prepare to hand him over to German prosecutors, fueling tensions over alleged Nord Stream sabotage.
Court Decision Keeps Z. in Custody Until 7 October
The Warsaw court ruled that Wołodymyr Z. will stay in detention until 7 October. The decision follows a request from the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office to apply the precautionary measure needed to facilitate the transfer of the suspect to German authorities.
Legal Representation Rejects Court’s Ruling
Attorney Tymoteusz Paprocki stated disagreement with the court’s decision and announced an appeal. He emphasized that evidentiary arguments about potential escape or intimidation were “unconvincing” and that the Ukrainian citizen should not be criminally responsible within the EU for alleged sabotage of Russian critical infrastructure.
Property Purchase Attempt Triggers Detention
According to RMF FM, Wołodymyr Z. was caught while attempting to buy a property in Poland. Foreign nationals buying real estate must undergo checks by the Office for Administration of the State; the person was identified as a suspect in the European Arrest Warrant after the transaction attempt.
German Accusations of Nord Stream Sabotage Intensify
German authorities suspect Z. of participating in the sabotage that halted gas supplies between Germany and Russia. He faces up to 15 years in prison in Germany, while the Polish court will only decide whether to hand him over to German justice, not to issue a verdict.
Arrest Confirmed in Pruszków
The 46‑year‑old Ukrainian was arrested on 30 September in Pruszków, where he runs a construction business and lives with his family. His lawyer noted that he has lived permanently in Poland for the past three years and that any overseas travel was only for family holidays.
