Prosecution Concludes Investigation into Marian Banaś: Ex-NIK Chief Faces Impending Trial

Following the loss of his formal immunity, former Supreme Audit Office (NIK) head Marian Banaś faces potential indictment in the coming weeks as prosecutors finalize a years-long investigation into his asset declarations and alleged regulatory misconduct.

The Investigation into Asset Declarations

The investigation focused on asset declarations filed by Marian Banaś between 2015 and 2019, a period during which he held high-level positions including head of the Customs Service, Deputy Minister of Finance, head of the National Revenue Administration, Minister of Finance, and eventually President of the Supreme Audit Office (NIK).

Reports from TVN’s “Superwizjer” alleged that a tenement house owned by Banaś was operating as a “hotel by the hour.” Banaś maintained that he was merely the building’s owner and had leased the property to another party, denying personal management of the establishment.

In October 2019, the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) notified the prosecutor’s office, alleging that the then-NIK president had concealed his actual financial status and possessed undocumented sources of income. Banaś formally challenged the CBA’s findings, and the inquiry has remained ongoing for years.

Collateral Charges and Internal Leaks

Investigators also examined separate threads of the case. In July 2021, charges were brought against the head of the Tax Chamber, Tadeusz G., who was suspected of disclosing confidential information regarding tax audits and CBA activities to Marian Banaś. The official pleaded guilty. Charges were also filed against Beata O., the former director of the NIK Warsaw branch.

Immunity Loss and Impending Indictment

Marian Banaś concluded his term at NIK in September 2025, resulting in the loss of his formal immunity. In November, prosecutors charged him with offenses including the incitement of others to reveal tax secrets. According to reports from Rzeczpospolita, the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Białystok is expected to file an indictment in court within the coming weeks.

Response and Political Ambitions

Banaś dismissed the allegations on X in November, labeling them the result of a political smear campaign orchestrated by the previous administration. He confirmed he would defend his reputation and that of his family.

The former NIK chief has signaled his intent to remain in public life. Following the recall of Kraków mayor Aleksander Miszalski in a local referendum, Banaś announced his intention to run in the upcoming snap election, which is likely to be held in September.