A 33-year-old man received a conviction and fine in Ostrołęka, Poland, for the theft of 30 campaign banners belonging to presidential candidate Rafał Trzaskowski.
Banner Theft in Ostrołęka Leads to Conviction
A man was sentenced by a court in Ostrołęka, Mazowieckie Province, for stealing 30 campaign banners belonging to presidential candidate Rafał Trzaskowski.
The prosecutor’s office announced on Friday that, in addition to a fine, the man must also cover the losses incurred by the electoral committee.
Details of the Crime
The theft occurred in April 2025 in Ostrołęka during the presidential election campaign.
On April 14, 2025, Tobiasz B. drove to a property on Al. Wojska Polskiego in Ostrołęka, removed 30 banners with Rafał Trzaskowski’s image, and took them in his car.
He then hung two banners near the PKS bus station and left the remaining 28 near a repair ramp on ul. Broniewskiego.
Financial Penalties and Confession
Tobiasz B. was charged with theft of banners with a total value of 4,800 złoty and confessed to the crime.
He stated he was allegedly encouraged to steal the banners by Andrzej M., who promised him 300 złoty in return.
The court ordered Tobiasz B. to pay a total fine of 3,600 złoty and 2,988.90 złoty to the Rafał Trzaskowski electoral committee as compensation for damages.
Investigation into Potential Conspiracy
Andrzej M., 69, denied knowing the perpetrator or commissioning the theft during questioning.
An investigation into Andrzej M.’s potential involvement was launched but was later dropped due to insufficient evidence on September 30, 2025.
The preparatory proceedings against Tobiasz B. concluded with a request for a conviction being submitted to the Ostrołęka Regional Court on September 24, 2025.
