Investigation into World War II Museum Apartments Closed: Prosecutor’s Office Issues Decision

The Gdańsk prosecutor’s office has discontinued an investigation regarding the use of a de luxe apartment by former museum director Karol Nawrocki, finding no elements of a prohibited act.

Investigation Initiation and Scope

The proceedings were initiated in February 2025 and covered the period from October 18, 2017, to June 2024, focusing on the actions of the facility’s directors. The inquiry followed reports that Karol Nawrocki, as museum director, used a de luxe apartment in the hotel complex belonging to the institution for over half a year despite living about 5 km away, allegedly without paying for the stay.

Lack of Evidence on Residence

On Wednesday, August 12, the Gdańsk prosecutor’s office announced that the investigation was discontinued because no elements of a prohibited act were found. Investigators stated that it was not established beyond a doubt that Karol Nawrocki actually resided there or rented the rooms in the conventional sense, which would have allowed charging him for the maintenance costs of the room or apartment.

Witnesses and System Entries

The prosecution did not establish beyond a doubt that Karol Nawrocki was aware of the entries made by reception staff in the system with the annotation “Mr. Director”. Investigators interviewed 41 witnesses, including 37 current and former museum employees, with several witnesses questioned more than once, and secured relevant documentation.

Interrogation of Karol Nawrocki

In July, the prosecution interrogated President Nawrocki as a witness in this case, given that he was the director of the Museum of the Second World War during the period under investigation. The proceedings had been launched following reports that he used the apartment at the museum’s hotel complex for free for over six months.

Nawrocki’s Explanations and Purpose of the Apartment

At the beginning of 2025, Nawrocki explained that during the COVID-19 pandemic, he spent two 10-day periods in quarantine at the apartment, where he performed his duties remotely. He also stated that the premises were used for official meetings with guests from abroad and domestically.