A New Lead in the Romanowski Case Points to Transnistria

A document attributed to fugitive former Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski has arrived at the Warsaw District Court, listing a location in Tiraspol, Transnistria, and raising numerous questions regarding its authenticity and claims.

A Document from Tiraspol

A document attributed to Marcin Romanowski has reached the Warsaw District Court as an application for a letter of safe conduct. According to “Rzeczpospolita,” the shipment was sent via traditional mail from Tiraspol, the capital of unrecognized Transnistria, bearing postal stamps from July 25 and 27 while dated July 12.

Defense attorney Bartosz Lewandowski noted the signature resembles his client’s, whereas Warsaw District Court spokesperson Judge Anna Ptaszek pointed out it resembles a paraf rather than a legible name. The legal significance of the application involves requesting to appear before a court or prosecutor under the condition of trial from a position of freedom.

The Address and Surrounding Locations

One of the most puzzling elements of the document is the stated address, which Google Maps indicates leads to an empty plot. However, available images of this location are outdated by about two years, meaning the map view does not definitively show what currently occupies the site.

Several minutes away on foot is the Holy Trinity parish associated with the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to which Fr. Michał Olszewski belongs. This proximity, nonetheless, provides no proof of Romanowski’s actual presence in the area or any connection between the clergy and his whereabouts.

Legal Status and the Loss of Hungarian Protection

This development occurs against the backdrop of a radical shift in Romanowski’s legal standing in Hungary. On July 2, 2026, Polish authorities announced that Budapest had revoked the refugee status of Marcin Romanowski, Zbigniew Ziobro, and Patrycja Kotecka-Ziobro, invalidating their travel documents as well.

According to Reuters, the decision was made by the new Hungarian authorities, leaving Romanowski’s location previously unknown while Ziobro stayed in the United States. Consequently, the appearance of the shipment from Transnistria followed the loss of his prior protection in Hungary.

A Passport Issued Under Another Identity

National Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Prosecutor Przemysław Nowak cited information from the document stating its author legally possessed a passport issued under another identity to travel freely outside the European Union. The text compared this setup to measures used for crown witnesses.

Public confirmation regarding the existence of such a document, its issuer, or its basis is lacking. “Rzeczpospolita” noted the inclusion of a PESEL number, though interviewees emphasize that these references require clarification and do not establish the document’s authenticity.

European Arrest Warrant and Ongoing Searches

The former deputy minister’s procedural position remains severe, following a court decision on December 9, 2024, to temporarily arrest Romanowski and the issuance of an arrest warrant on December 12. A European Arrest Warrant was re-issued by the Warsaw District Court on February 17, 2026.

While the National Prosecutor’s Office highlighted that Hungarian authorities did not detain Romanowski despite the active warrant, all of his Polish passports have been canceled. This cancellation underscores the questions raised by the claim of holding an alternative travel document.

Transnistria as a New Focus

Transnistria operates outside Chisinau’s control with its own administration and security structures, lacking recognition from any state, including Russia, which supports the region politically and economically. Former CBA head Paweł Wojtunik and Gen. Roman Polko noted the strict local security controls and the region’s strategic location bordering Ukraine.

These expert evaluations do not confirm Romanowski’s actual presence in the territory. Whether the document is a provocation, authentic, or an attempt to mislead authorities remains unresolved by law enforcement and politicians alike.