Polish prosecutors may indict former Prime Minister Morawiecki over alleged failures in oversight of the State Agency for Strategic Reserves (RARS) during his government’s tenure.
Investigation into RARS Irregularities
Unofficially, the prosecution may present charges to Morawiecki in connection with insufficient supervision of RARS during the PiS government. He appointed Michał Kuczmierowski as head of the agency, who is suspected of involvement in an organized crime group.
The Śląski Wydział ds. Przestępczości Zorganizowanej i Korupcji (Silesian Department for Organized Crime and Corruption of the National Prosecutor’s Office) is investigating the RARS affair. Marek Wełna recently became its head and reportedly requested the removal of prosecutors from high-profile cases, including the RARS investigation.
Flawed Equipment and Unexamined Coal
The investigation has been criticized for lacking thoroughness, with key issues left unaddressed. These include the import of defective generators for Ukraine and the purchase of hundreds of tons of worthless coal by RARS.
Despite the investigation lasting 2.5 years, no expert assessments of the imported generators have been ordered, even though some were found to be faulty. The coal has remained stockpiled for years without quality testing.
Untouched Aspects of the Scandal
Sources familiar with the investigation state that many aspects of the RARS scandal remain unexplored, and previous authorities at the Katowice department of the National Prosecutor’s Office allegedly obstructed investigations into its political dimensions.
Current Investigation Led by Marek Wełna
Marek Wełna is currently personally leading the RARS investigation, questioning witnesses, commissioning expert reports, and gathering new evidence.
Investigation Launched in December 2023
The investigation into irregularities at RARS began on December 1, 2023, focusing on abuse of power and dereliction of duty by RARS employees during procurement processes between February 23, 2021, and November 27, 2023, with the aim of financial gain.
Multiple Individuals Charged, Kuczmierowski Wanted
Charges have been filed against approximately a dozen individuals. A warrant has been issued for the arrest of former RARS head Michał Kuczmierowski, who is currently in the United Kingdom. A British court recently postponed a decision on his extradition.
Kuczmierowski’s lawyers argued that Polish prosecutors did not formally charge him in Poland, prompting a remote indictment after he left the country.