Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro says he neither ordered nor knew about the Pegasus spyware purchase, while prosecutors filed a charge on October 21 alleging a 25‑million‑zloty deal from the Justice Fund.
Ziobro’s Statement About Pegasus
Zbigniew Ziobro told the newspaper Rzeczpospolita that he did not buy any system, especially not Pegasus, and was unaware of its name or functioning. He claimed he did not initiate the purchase and that the decision lay elsewhere.
Decision Process at Justice Ministry
Ziobro said the purchase decision was made by former viceroy of the Ministry of Interior and Administration, Mirosław Kamil? (Kamil Kamiński), whom he described as the driving force behind the acquisition. He added that funding from the Justice Fund was intended for crime prevention.
Accused Contract with Central Anti‑Corruption Office
During a question in late September, deputy chair of the investigative committee, Tomasz Trela, asked whether Ziobro personally authorized the 25‑million‑zloty allocation for Pegasus. Ziobro replied that then‑deputy Minister Michał Woś made the decision, guided by the minister’s general intent, and that Woś had verified the legal feasibility of the funds transfer.
Prosecutor’s Indictment of Michał Woś
On October 21, the National Prosecutor’s Office filed an indictment against Michał Woś, alleging that he had entered into an agreement with former CBA director Ernest Bejdą to transfer 25 million zlotys from the Justice Fund to the Central Anti‑Corruption Office. The prosecution claims the office was unqualified to receive the money.
