Prosecutors have officially closed an investigation into the employment of Beata Fido at TVP, rejecting claims of financial losses after finding no evidence of criminal activity in her work history.
Allegations of “Ghost” Employment
In November 2024, it was revealed that current TVP authorities had notified the prosecutor’s office of potential criminal misconduct by the previous management regarding the employment of actress Beata Fido. The complaint alleged that Fido, known for her role in the film “Smoleńsk,” was an employee only on paper, resulting in an estimated financial loss to the broadcaster of approximately 1.5 million PLN.
Between 2016 and 2023, Fido held various roles at TVP, including positions in corporate affairs and as a redactor for English-language services. Throughout this period, she also participated in numerous film and television productions, for which she had received formal approval from the management at the time.
Investigation and Findings
The prosecutor’s office launched an investigation in November 2024, examining personnel files, payroll data, and building entry logs. The inquiry found that while Fido’s recorded entries were sparse, she often entered the premises via the underground garage with Jan Maria Tomaszewski, who used his own access card, meaning the system did not accurately track her attendance.
Witnesses provided conflicting accounts, with some former staff recalling her presence at the office, while others questioned the impact of her work. Fido maintained that she fulfilled her duties, which included remote work, translation review, and administrative tasks, and that she took unpaid leave for film sets.
Prosecutorial Decision to Close the Case
In January 2025, the prosecutor’s office discontinued the investigation, concluding that no crime had been committed. The ruling stated that Fido was a legitimate employee whose salary was justified by the work performed, noting that the company’s access system was not fully airtight.
The prosecution emphasized that the evidence, including witness testimony and Fido’s own statements, indicated she had indeed performed her professional duties. Following a complaint filed by TVP, the District Court in Warsaw upheld the decision to close the investigation in March.
