Prosecutor Opens Preliminary Inquiry into Southern Hospital Morgue Irregularities

Prosecutors in Warsaw have launched a preliminary investigation into the Southern Hospital’s morgue following allegations of bribery, the solicitation of funeral homes, and the alleged desecration of human remains.

Investigation into alleged irregularities

The District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw has initiated preliminary proceedings concerning reports of misconduct at the Southern Hospital’s morgue. Investigators are currently verifying claims regarding illicit fees, the funneling of families to specific funeral homes in exchange for kickbacks, and the potential desecration of bodies.

District Prosecutor Piotr Antoni Skiba stated that no official notifications were previously received by law enforcement. The current proceedings, which fall under the scope of managerial bribery and desecration of corpses, rely on information circulated in media reports and from anonymous informants. At this stage, the evidence is insufficient to initiate a full-scale investigation or press criminal charges.

Public appeal for witnesses

The District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw-Ursynów is calling upon families of the deceased, hospital staff, and employees of funeral companies who possess information regarding these irregularities to come forward. Witnesses can contact the office via email at [email protected], through the e-Doręczenia platform, or by calling the secretariat at 261 845 893.

Morgue management and administrative actions

The Southern Hospital has terminated the employment contract of the morgue coordinator with immediate effect, following reports of illicit activities. Allegations include the promotion of a funeral home linked to his business associate, the publication of photos of remains on social media, and the unauthorized use of the morgue as a film set.

Furthermore, an investigation is underway regarding the falsification of 20 death certificates. While the hospital previously filed reports concerning unauthorized wiretapping and the violation of medical confidentiality—which were subsequently dismissed or closed—the current focus remains on the procedural integrity of death documentation and the ethical conduct of former morgue staff.