Prosecutors confirmed that former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, a suspect in the Justice Fund investigation, traveled from Milan to New York on May 9 using a foreign media visa.
The Route to the United States
National Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Przemysław Nowak confirmed that Zbigniew Ziobro left Europe on May 9, flying from Milan to New York. The suspect utilized a visa classified for a member of foreign media.
Nowak clarified that this classification could technically include Polish media outlets from the perspective of U.S. immigration authorities. The official travel details were finalized following days of investigation by the National Prosecutor’s Office.
Lack of International Arrest Warrant
Prok. Nowak noted that the departure was possible because no European Arrest Warrant (EAW) had been issued for Ziobro at the time. Although the prosecution filed for an EAW on February 10, the legal basis for detention was not yet in place.
Despite being a suspect currently wanted by a Polish arrest warrant, Ziobro remains outside of immediate reach. The prosecutor emphasized that assisting a wanted suspect in evading criminal responsibility, including facilitating an escape, constitutes a criminal offense.
Investigation into Alleged Assistance
The National Prosecutor’s Office is investigating potential assistance provided to Ziobro to facilitate his departure. Tomasz Sakiewicz, editor-in-chief of Telewizja Republika, was summoned as a witness to address claims that Ziobro was set to work as a political commentator for the station.
During the hearing, Sakiewicz invoked journalistic privilege on most questions and provided what officials described as non-meritorious, political statements. Justice Minister and Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek defended the investigation, stating the state has the right to determine if the suspect’s sudden transition to a media role facilitated his flight.
Context of the Justice Fund Charges
Zbigniew Ziobro faces allegations of directing an organized criminal group and abusing his power as Minister of Justice. Prosecutors claim he issued illegal orders to secure subsidies from the Justice Fund for unauthorized entities and interfered with competitive bidding processes.
Ziobro had previously spent months in Hungary, where he was granted international protection under the government of Viktor Orbán. Current Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar indicated that his government learned of Ziobro’s move to the U.S. through the press, noting that the former minister did not exit Hungary via standard Schengen borders.