Poland’s Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) searched the Ministry of Climate and Environment and related agencies as part of a European Public Prosecutor’s Office investigation into the “Clean Air” program.
Investigation Launched into “Clean Air” Program Mismanagement
The CBA, along with representatives from the European Anti-Fraud Office, conducted searches in several central government offices in Warsaw and local units, prompted by a probe into the proper implementation of the “Clean Air” program.
According to a spokesperson for the Minister Coordinating Special Services, Jacek Dobrzyński, the actions involve securing documents from central institutions, including the Ministry of Climate and Environment and the Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy.
Political Timing Questioned
The CBA’s actions coincide with a planned vote of no confidence against the head of the Ministry of Climate and Environment, but officials dismiss any suggestion of political motivation, stating the investigation stems from prior proceedings, primarily concerning 2021-2022.
Program Changes Identified as Root Cause
The Ministry of Climate and Environment acknowledged significant changes made to the “Clean Air” program in 2022, introducing pre-financing without adequate safeguards, and the removal of unit cost limits for thermal modernization in 2023.
These changes, according to a ministry statement, led to problems for beneficiaries and fraudulent practices by some contractors, resulting in approximately 700 ongoing investigations by prosecutors and police.
Arrest of Company President
The CBA, assisted by the Border Guard, arrested the president of a company involved in thermal modernization projects under the “Clean Air” program at Warsaw Airport.
European Public Prosecutor’s Office Takes Over Investigation
In October 2025, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office assumed control of the investigation into abuses related to the “Clean Air” program, previously overseen by the Szczecin District Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors have identified damages totaling tens of millions of zlotys, allegedly occurring between 2022 and December 2024, involving a company from West Pomerania defrauding program beneficiaries.
“Clean Air” Program Details
The “Clean Air” program provides subsidies to homeowners for replacing old heating systems with more ecological options, such as heat pumps, and for building thermal modernization. Mandatory energy audits are now required before and after investments.
Public consultations on further changes to the program concluded on March 16th, with phased implementation planned for 2026, subject to approval from the European Investment Bank, which oversees the Modernization Fund financing the program.
Over 1 million applications, totaling over 41 billion zlotys in funding, have been submitted since September 2018.