In September 2025, prosecutors in Siedlce arrested 12 individuals, including a parish priest, over a decade‑long scheme of fictitious donations to a church in Mińsk county.
Investigation Scope
The Siedlce Regional Prosecutor’s Office, in cooperation with the Central Anti‑Corruption Bureau in Łódź, is probing fictitious donations made for religious worship and unauthorized tax deductions. Investigators determined the scheme operated from 2016 to 2024, involving repeated transfers to the account of a parish in Mińsk County, followed by cash returns of most funds.
Scheme Mechanics
Suspects transferred roughly 30 000 PLN annually to the parish’s account, claiming it was a donation. The parish priest then withdrew nearly the entire amount in cash, kept a commission, and returned 90 % to the supposed “donors,” creating the appearance of legitimate charitable contributions in annual reports to reduce taxable income.
Tax Implications and Losses
Certificates were issued to confirm each declared donation, allowing taxpayers to pay lower income tax—up to 6 % of taxable income—and even receive refunds. The Treasury’s preliminary estimate of the uncovered loss is 2 600 000 PLN.
Arrests and Charges
On 29–30 September 2025, CBA officers detained 12 people across Masovian, Warmian‑Masurian and Łódź voivodeships, including the parish priest. The detainees face 137 accusations of tax fraud, extortion, and tax evasion under articles 56 § 1 KKS and 286 § 1 KK, covering both organizers of the fake donations and those who benefited from unlawful deductions.
Court Measures
The Siedlce District Court, at the prosecutor’s request, imposed temporary arrest on six suspects, the priest among them. The remaining detainees received liberty measures such as financial guarantees and police supervision. Prosecutor Krystyna Gołąbek stated the precautions matched the severity of the charges and were necessary for a proper proceeding.
Asset Seizure
To secure future penalties, authorities seized suspect assets, including 1 500 000 PLN in cash and a car worth 120 000 PLN. These measures serve as collateral for forthcoming financial liabilities and monetary compensations.
Continuing Investigation
The case remains developmental; investigators continue to analyze further strands and do not rule out additional actions or new charges.
