Opole city councilor Małgorzata W. faces charges over alleged misuse of 9 million zloty from the Justice Fund.
9 Million Zloty for Inexperienced Foundation
The prosecutor has brought charges against Małgorzata W., a Law and Justice (PiS) city councilor from Opole, in connection with irregularities concerning funds from the Justice Fund. Investigators suspect her, among other things, of attempting large-scale fraud, embezzling public money, and falsifying documents. The case concerns the Ex Bono Foundation, which received a total of 9 million zloty in grants during Zbigniew Ziobry’s tenure at the Ministry of Justice.
Who Really Ran the Ex Bono Foundation: Councilor or Relative?
According to media reports, the Ex Bono Foundation obtained multi-million funding despite having previously carried out only one small project in Opole. In the competition for funds from the Justice Fund, the organization managed to outperform much more experienced non-governmental organizations. According to the prosecution, the councilor’s relative formally managed the foundation. In practice, as determined by investigators, Małgorzata W. had influence over its operations.
Fictitious Aid Points and Forged Signatures?
The National Prosecutor’s Office reported that the application submitted in the 2019-2021 competition contained information that had no basis in reality. This included specifying personnel and locations of aid points that the foundation did not actually possess at the time of submitting the documents. Consequently, due to improper implementation of the task, the contract with the foundation was terminated in mid-2019.
The True Role of the PiS Councilor. Prosecutor Speaks of Forgeries
From the evidence material, it appears that operational and organizational decisions in the foundation were made with the participation of the PiS councilor, although she officially held no position in the Ex Bono structures. To make matters worse, the prosecution also accuses her of forging the signatures of the board chairman on several documents submitted to the Ministry of Justice.
Passport Confiscated and 10 Years in Prison. Strict Measures Against PiS Councilor
Małgorzata W. was detained by the prosecutor and questioned in early December. Preventive measures were applied against her, including police supervision, a ban on contacting several dozen people, and a ban on leaving the country – her passport was seized for this purpose. Additionally, a property guarantee of 30,000 zloty was imposed. The PiS councilor faces up to 10 years in prison.
“This is Political Persecution”. PiS Councilor Breaks Silence
Małgorzata W. denies all accusations. In a statement sent to the Opolska 360 service, she emphasized that issues related to the foundation had been publicly explained by her many times. According to her, the prosecutor’s actions are political in nature and target representatives of Law and Justice (PiS) and Sovereign Poland. The councilor stated that she did not commit the acts she is accused of and considers herself innocent.
