In Poland’s Węgrów region, prosecutors have charged 20 people, including 18 drivers, with falsifying documents to obtain ADR dangerous goods licences, after police evidence uncovered a training centre’s scheme.
Prosecutor Files Charges Against 20 People
The Siedlce District Prosecutor’s Office has submitted criminal complaints to the Węgrów District Court against 20 individuals linked to a document‑falsification ring at a driver training centre in Węgrów.
Among those charged are 18 drivers who allegedly obtained ADR licences through falsified certificates.
Investigation Begins with Police Evidence
The probe started after the Radom Voivodeship Police Command supplied evidence indicating systematic falsification of records by the training centre’s personnel.
These findings prompted the prosecutor to launch an inquiry into the training centre’s operations.
Training Centre Facilitated Illicit ADR Licences
The target was a firm that administered courses for professional drivers required to sit an exam for the ADR – dangerous goods transport – licence.
The centre’s programmes were allegedly used to issue certificates without full completion of required training.
Drivers Obtained Licences Using Fake Certificates
Evidence shows 18 drivers earned ADR certificates in 2023 using documents that falsely claimed full course completion, although they attended only partial or no training.
Such certificates violate regulations that require completion of a full‑time basic course of at least three days and a specialist course of two days.
Legal Stipulations for ADR Certification
Polish law mandates that participation in the basic course may not exceed 45 minutes of absence, and 30 minutes during the specialist course, especially for tanker transport.
Certificates remain valid for five years and must be renewed through periodic training and examinations.
Consequences of Document Falsification
Under the criminal code, providing a falsely certified document carries up to two years’ imprisonment; falsifying for financial gain can lead to up to eight years.
The indictment covers the 18 drivers and two men who organised and issued the falsified certificates.
