Polish security chief Sławomir Cenckiewicz had his domestic and NATO security clearances revoked in 2024 after the Military Counter‑Intelligence Service alleged he concealed drug use during a specialist visit.
Why Was Cenckiewicz Stripped of Security Credentials?
Rzeczpospolita reports that Sławomir Cenckiewicz’s 2021 security clearances were revoked in 2024 by decision of the head of the Military Counter‑Intelligence Service (SKW). The revocation followed an internal control investigation. SKW stated that Cenckiewicz had concealed his use of a central nervous system‑acting drug.
Fear of Susceptibility to Blackmail
SKW claimed that, in the 2021 security questionnaire, Cenckiewicz omitted his specialist visits and past consumption of a narcotic or psychotropic substance. Such undisclosed facts could signal vulnerability to coercion or blackmail. Cenckiewicz denied ever using narcotics or psychotropic substances, and the BBN head informed SKW of his specialist visit.
Court Finds No Concealment of Truth
Following an appeal to the provincial administrative court, judges determined that Cenckiewicz’s medical treatment did not compromise mental fitness or psychological stability. The court noted that the prescribed medication is psychotropic, and thus the allegations of concealment were unfounded. The court labelled SKW’s claim “without rational basis.” The judgment is not yet final; the ministers’ office has filed an appeal, and the National Administrative Court has yet to set a hearing date.
NATO Certification Matter
Recent reports by Radio ZET and Newsweek alleged that Cenckiewicz lacks the Personal Security Clearance Confirmation required by NATO. The BBN countered, citing a Warsaw WSA ruling of 17 June 2025, affirming that Cenckiewicz holds clearances for national and international classified information.
