Waldemar Żurek, Poland’s justice minister, dismissed claims that former deputy justice minister Michał Wios transferred 25 million złotys from the Justice Fund to the Central Anti‑Corruption Bureau, insisting the money was meant for crime victims, not special services.
Minister Żurek’s Rebuttal
In a social media post, Waldemar Żurek refuted accusations that Michał W. transferred 25 million złotys from the Justice Fund to the Central Anti‑Corruption Bureau (CBA) – a transfer that “the CBA had no right to receive” from that fund. He added that the money was, instead, intended to help crime victims return to normal life, not to support special services.
Who is now accused says the financing of the CBA was fully legal. He clarified that he merely granted “legal financing” to the bureau and was not the one behind the purchase of the Pegasus surveillance system.
„Nie ma świętych krów” – No Sacred Cows
Żurek reiterated that “there are no sacred cows” and that no public office exempts one from responsibility. He also warned that the Justice Fund’s original purpose would be restored and that the calls for proposals for a 120 million złoty competition to support genuinely helpful organizations had already concluded.
Charges Filed by the Prosecutor’s Office
The Prosecutor’s Office has filed an indictment against Michał Wios, former deputy justice minister, for financing the CBA and purchasing Pegasus software from Justice Fund money. The indictment alleges that Wios, acting as a ministry official for personal financial gain, exceeded his authority and caused damage to the State Treasury.
Wios faces a potential prison sentence of one to ten years.
