On 29–30 September, the Central Anti‑Corruption Bureau arrested 12 people, including a parish priest, for allegedly falsifying tax returns and forging charitable donations.
Scale of the Arrests
The Central Anti‑Corruption Bureau (CBA) said that on 29‑30 September, officers from Łódź, Warsaw, Katowice and Białystok arrested nine men and three women.
Among the detained was a parish priest, a senior corporate manager, and private entrepreneurs. The arrests occurred in the Masovian, Warmian‑Masurian and Łódź voivodeships.
Alleged Fraud Scheme
The case concerns falsified tax declarations by individuals and legal entities from 2016 to 2024, according to the Łódź CBA delegate under the Siedlce District Prosecutor’s Office.
Defendants allegedly declared donations to a parish in Mińsk County that did not exist. Funds transferred to the parish’s bank account were returned as cash in a smaller amount. By presenting fabricated documents, the priest purportedly confirmed receipt of non‑existent donations to reduce taxable income.
The State Treasury estimates the loss from the criminal activity at 2 600 000 PLN.
Legal Proceedings and Detentions
Detained individuals were brought to the Siedlce District Prosecutor’s Office, where charges were formally filed. The prosecutor applied temporary custody to six suspects, including the parish priest. The remaining detainees were placed under bail, police surveillance and a prohibition on contacting the detained persons.
Assets Seized
Law enforcement secured 1 500 000 PLN in cash and a vehicle worth 120 000 PLN. The CBA emphasized the investigative character of the operation and that further proceedings are planned.
