Polish investigators have uncovered extensive evidence of cash contributions to the PiS party’s campaigns, including the 2021 Rzeszów mayoral election, as part of the “Archangel” operation.
Campaign Funding in Envelopes: PiS and Operation “Archangel”
Authors of the “In Connection with the Investigation” podcast – Mariusz Gierszewski from Radio ZET and Dominika Długosz from “Newsweek” – have reported that the evidence gathered by investigators is substantial and compelling.
The investigation centers around the premature mayoral election in Rzeszów in 2021. Witnesses have provided detailed accounts of money transfers, with 28 individuals admitting to contributing funds to the campaign of Ewa Leniart, then-Podkarpackie Voivode and PiS candidate.
Over 70,000 Złoty in Cash for Leniart’s Campaign
The Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) has determined that over 70,000 złoty was collected for Leniart’s campaign outside of official accounting, including cash delivered “in envelopes.”
Seven additional individuals testified that fundraising also encompassed other campaigns of the PiS party.
Operation “Archangel” and Collegium Humanum
The investigation formally began in March 2022 with a separate inquiry into alleged money laundering by Iwona O., a member of the State Tribunal nominated by PiS and the president of Uzdrowisko Rymanów. This operation was codenamed “Archangel.”
Iwona O. was placed under operational surveillance for months, resulting in hundreds of hours of recorded conversations with her associates and other individuals in the region, including PiS politicians.
Multiple Investigative Threads Emerge
The extensive material gathered led to the identification of several separate investigative threads, including the case of Collegium Humanum, irregularities at Uzdrowisko Rymanów, and the illegal financing of Leniart’s campaign.
Witness testimonies reveal a detailed scheme for transferring cash, including specific amounts and individuals involved, suggesting an organized operation. However, no charges have been filed in this particular aspect of the investigation.
Witness Testimony from Public Institutions
A CBA analysis from December 2022, based on witness testimonies, outlines the mechanism for collecting funds for Leniart’s campaign. The witnesses were employees of 19 public institutions and state-owned companies, often in leadership positions such as presidents, vice-presidents, or directors, located in Rzeszów, Przemyśl, Krosno, and Rymanów-Zdrój.
Key Role of Janusz F. in Cash Collection
Janusz F., then-president of a state-owned company, allegedly played a central role in the scheme, personally or through intermediaries, collecting cash. He was described as an active PiS member who collaborated with Marek Kuchciński, vice-chairman of the PiS parliamentary club, and participated in meetings with other party politicians from Podkarpackie.
