Polish tax officials launch audit of the Polish Institute of Film Art after allegations of misused public funds from the former culture ministry.
Minister’s Accusations
In April last year, Culture Minister Bartłomiej Sienkiewicz dismissed long‑standing PISF director Radosław Śmigowski over claims of censorship, restriction of artists, and improper use of public money.
He alleged that Śmigowski used PISF credit cards for private legal expenses and paid lawyers for the director’s personal cases, prompting a notice to prosecutors and the National Tax Administration.
Director’s Rebuttal and Private Purchases
Śmigowski countered that the minister’s statements were “insinuations” and that the card payments covered multiple staff, not only him. He admitted buying cosmetics—specifically powder used before press conferences—using a corporate card, which he says remains in the secretary’s office.
He also noted that no one, including his successor, had asked for explanations about these expenditures.
Audit Highlights Irregular Spending
The audit, covering 116 million PLN from January 2022 to April 2024, found over 11.7 million PLN of mismanagement linked to corporate card use and unrecorded travel expenses.
Key irregularities included 8.7 million PLN in overpayments to producers outside statutory deadlines, 1.3 million PLN in late interest on returned subsidies, and similar amounts for undocumented card transactions.
Other issues surfaced, such as a 36.4 thousand‑PLN charge made by an employee against internal rules and questionable lodging and meal claims, some involving alcohol and tired description of events.
Ongoing Investigation and New Leadership
Since June, PISF has been led by Kamila Dorbach, who announced that the Warsaw Regional Prosecutor’s Office is conducting a multi‑threaded investigation of irregularities from 2018 to 2024.
