Sławomir Mentzen and Sławomir Cenckiewicz have reported that their phone numbers were misused by unknown perpetrators to harass TV Republika staff, fueling a wave of false emergency alerts.
Unauthorized Use of Personal Data
On Saturday, May 16, politician Sławomir Mentzen revealed that his firm’s phone number was being used by provocateurs to harass TV Republika journalists. He noted that the discovery was made by the journalists themselves rather than law enforcement agencies.
Former BBN head Sławomir Cenckiewicz reported a similar incident, stating that his phone number and residential address were used to place fraudulent pizza orders at night. Cenckiewicz announced he would pursue legal action to identify the perpetrator through the order system.
Security Threats and False Alarms
TV Republika reported that its employees have been targeted by malicious actors sending false emergency reports to authorities. These alerts falsely claimed that individuals in journalists’ homes were planning self-harm or that explosives had been planted on the premises, leading police to search the home of editor-in-chief Tomasz Sakiewicz.
The Metropolitan Police announced on Saturday that they had arrested a 53-year-old man from a district near Warsaw suspected of involvement in the false alarms following an extensive investigation.
Political Backlash and Criticism
Sławomir Mentzen criticized the current administration for its response to the harassment, arguing that government officials have mocked the victims instead of addressing the issue. He emphasized that the state apparatus is failing to act to protect citizens regardless of their political affiliation.
Mentzen called on Prime Minister Donald Tusk and ministers Marcin Kierwiński and Tomasz Siemoniak to take immediate action. He stated that the government has a duty to identify the perpetrators and provide security to all targeted individuals, labeling the current lack of state response as unacceptable.