Millions of złoty were spent by Poland’s Strategic Reserves Agency on coal imports during the PiS government, often bypassing tender procedures and acquiring substandard fuel.
Coal Affair During PiS Rule
The Government Agency for Strategic Reserves (RARS) awarded contracts worth hundreds of millions of złoty, with many bypassing tender procedures. Investigations revealed that some of the purchased coal failed to meet quality standards.
Imports of Unusable Coal
An investigation by Onet.pl focuses on coal imports between 2022 and 2023, totaling approximately 753,000 tons from Kazakhstan, Colombia, and Australia. A significant portion of this coal was unsuitable for sale or energy use and remains stored in warehouses.
Scale of Losses
Current authorities estimate losses of around 1.3 billion złoty spent on substandard coal. PKP Cargo incurred operational costs of 1.5 billion złoty, and storage costs reached 200 million złoty. Minister of Interior and Administration Marcin Kierwiński noted that up to 40% of the imported coal did not meet any standards.
BW Ventures and RARS Funds
Warsaw-based BW Ventures played a key role, founded shortly before the coal import began and quickly generating high revenues. The company earned over 152 million złoty in its first year and approximately 40 million złoty in the following year.
BW Ventures’ Contracts
In 2022, BW Ventures supplied coal to RARS worth over 192.5 million złoty, and in 2023, another 47.2 million złoty, totaling over 240 million złoty. After the change in government, the company’s revenue drastically decreased to a symbolic level.
Details of Deliveries Remain Secret
Details regarding the number of deliveries and contract terms remain undisclosed. The first deliveries occurred in late 2022, with a total of ten deliveries made.
Allies Incorporated and RARS Funding
BW Ventures’ owners are also linked to Allies Incorporated, a company in the defense sector dealing in arms, ammunition, and military technology, previously supplying equipment to Polish police and security services.
Shared Registration Address
Both companies were registered at the same address – the National Stadium in Warsaw. Allies Incorporated also received orders from RARS, some of which remain confidential.
Connections and Sławomir Butkiewicz’s Role
The case highlights connections between business and the state administration, involving Sławomir Butkiewicz, a former counter-terrorism police officer who quickly joined the Chancellery of the Prime Minister.
Butkiewicz’s Involvement
Butkiewicz collaborated with Allies Incorporated in 2022 and then became Deputy Head of the Humanitarian-Medical Assistance Team at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister and Deputy Director-General of the institution. He reportedly served as a purchasing consultant for RARS and participated in meetings between company representatives and government officials.
Butkiewicz’s Denial
Butkiewicz confirmed brief cooperation with one of the companies but denied influencing contracts or mediating contacts. He did not elaborate on other aspects of his activities.
Purchases Without Tenders
A controversial aspect of the case is RARS’s contracting process, with some purchases made without adhering to public procurement laws.
Internal Procedures and Presidential Approval
Decisions were reportedly based on internal procedures, with the agency’s president approving contractors based on recommendations from negotiating teams. A RARS spokesperson stated they were unaware why tender procedures were not followed in these cases.
Expert Concerns
Experts note that while the crisis following the war in Ukraine required swift purchasing decisions, the lack of transparency and personal connections raise serious doubts about the correctness of the actions.
Procuracy Krajowa Investigation
The investigation by the National Prosecutor’s Office’s regional branch covers several areas, including the import of low-quality coal, potential irregularities in contract awards, and the roles of individuals involved in the decision-making process.
Charges Filed
Charges have been filed against entrepreneurs and individuals linked to the previous RARS leadership. Investigators are analyzing further documents and financial flows, expanding the scope of the investigation.
Questions of Oversight and Accountability
The case raises questions about oversight mechanisms for public funds during crises and the responsibility of state institutions for their decisions.