RARS Scandal: Court Rejects Michał Kuczmierowski’s Safe Conduct Bid

The Warsaw Court of Appeal has upheld the decision denying former RARS chief Michał Kuczmierowski a letter of safe conduct, as he awaits an extradition hearing in the United Kingdom this September.

Legal Setback for Former RARS Chief

The Warsaw Court of Appeal has rejected for the third time an appeal against the refusal to grant a letter of safe conduct to former RARS head Michał Kuczmierowski. The court upheld a decision by the Warsaw District Court, which had originally denied the request in September regarding an ongoing investigation by the National Prosecutor’s Office in Katowice.

If granted a letter of safe conduct, Kuczmierowski would have been protected from arrest upon his return to Poland until the conclusion of his legal proceedings. He is currently residing in the United Kingdom, where an extradition hearing is scheduled for September 24.

Corruption Allegations and RARS Irregularities

Kuczmierowski served as president of the Governmental Strategic Reserves Agency (RARS) between 2021 and 2023. In August 2024, the National Prosecutor’s Office announced charges against him and Paweł S., the founder of the Red is Bad brand. The allegations include participation in an organized criminal group, failure to fulfill duties, and abuse of power for financial gain.

Investigators are examining whether RARS misused special regulations concerning strategic reserves to circumvent public procurement procedures. Prosecutors allege that the agency favored certain business entities and accepted inflated prices for goods such as power generators and medical supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, often ignoring negative opinions from the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau.

Status of Extradition Proceedings

Kuczmierowski was arrested in London in September 2024 following a request by Polish authorities. Although initially denied bail, a court allowed his release from Wandsworth prison in February 2025 under strict conditions, including regular police check-ins and a financial bond. These conditions were modified in June to permit travel to Newcastle.

The British court has repeatedly delayed the extradition process due to administrative issues, including building maintenance problems and scheduling conflicts for the defense team. The next hearing is set for September 24.