Polish anti‑corruption agency CBA arrested New Sańcz mayor Ludomir Handzel and vice‑mayor Artur Bochenek on 21 October, citing possible misuse of EU tender funds.
CBA Detains Mayor and Vice‑Mayor
On 21 October, officials from Poland’s Central Anti‑Corruption Bureau (CBA) detained Ludomir Handzel, mayor of New Sańcz, and Artur Bochenek, vice‑mayor, under suspicion of wrongdoing related to public procurement.
Allegations Over EU Tender Funds
The detentions stem from an inquiry into the procurement of training for students and teachers financed with European Union money. Sources suggest that irregularities could have cost as much as €600 000.
Four Municipal Employees Arrested
Following the initial detentions, CBA agents also detained four staff members from institutions under the New Sańcz City Hall. The move came after a CBA review of another municipal tender.
Mayor’s Statement on Detentions
Handzel acknowledged the transport of the four employees to Katowice but expressed confusion over the purpose, lamenting “how we are caught for routine officials rather than serious offenders” and offering sympathy for affected families.
