The Warsaw Court of Appeal has ordered a retrial for members of a criminal group accused of murdering victims with tainted alcohol to seize their properties, citing significant procedural errors.
The Modus Operandi of the Alleged Gang
The so-called “poisoner gang” operated for approximately five to six years in Warsaw and the Masovian Voivodeship. Prosecutors charged members with five murders and six attempted murders involving the administration of alcohol laced with isopropanol to victims.
The group targeted isolated, infirm individuals, often struggling with alcohol addiction. After identifying victims who owned real estate, they gained their trust under the guise of providing life assistance to obtain powers of attorney over their assets.
Court Findings and Initial Verdict
In February 2025, the Warsaw-Praga District Court ruled that evidence was insufficient to prove the deaths were caused by poisoned alcohol. The court focused solely on charges related to unfavorable property disposal.
Roman P. was sentenced to 15 years in prison, Tomasz G. to 12 years, and Krzysztof P. to 8 years. Notary Jolanta D.-S. and Wiesław A. were acquitted. Both the prosecution and defense appealed the verdict.
Appeals Court Decision
The Warsaw Court of Appeal found that the lower court had evaluated evidence selectively and illogically. It noted that the lower court relied exclusively on toxicological opinions, ignoring witness testimonies regarding the administration of alcohol.
The appellate court cited procedural failures regarding victim status, the interpretation of fraud, and findings on the organized crime group. Consequently, the case was remanded for retrial. Additionally, Krzysztof P.’s sentence was reduced from eight to five years due to an erroneous description of his criminal act.
