Prosecutor Behind “Coup” Investigation Accused of Hiding Invoices from NIK
The Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Rzeszów is investigating the irregular procurement of the “Hermes” surveillance system, as officials face allegations of concealing financial...
The Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Rzeszów is investigating the irregular procurement of the “Hermes” surveillance system, as officials face allegations of concealing financial documentation from the Supreme Audit Office.
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The Hermes Surveillance Scandal
The case concerns the purchase and operation of a spy system acquired by the prosecutor’s office under Zbigniew Ziobro and Bogdan Święczkowski in November 2020. The system, developed by NSO Group, was reportedly purchased without a public tender.
Operating Hermes required a recurring subscription fee, with total costs estimated to exceed 12.5 million PLN over several years. The system was designed to aggregate and analyze vast amounts of internet data, including sensitive information sourced from the darknet.
Misuse of Authority and NIK Audits
The system was managed by a circle of prosecutors loyal to former National Prosecutor Bogdan Święczkowski. New leadership at the National Prosecutor’s Office only discovered the system’s existence upon receiving a recurring invoice after the 2023 government transition.
An audit by the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) in 2023 uncovered that one invoice related to Hermes was improperly classified as secret to prevent inspection. The NIK report noted the documents were withheld under the false pretext that they concerned an ongoing investigation.
Imminent Charges Against Michał Ostrowski
Prosecutor Michał Ostrowski, a key associate of Święczkowski who supervised the use of Hermes, is reportedly facing impending charges for obstructing NIK control activities. The matter has been transferred to the Internal Affairs Department.
If granted permission by the disciplinary court, prosecutors intend to charge Ostrowski, which could lead to fines or a prison sentence of up to three years.
Context of the “Coup” Investigation
Michał Ostrowski made headlines in 2025 by launching an investigation into Prime Minister Donald Tusk and other government members for an alleged “coup.” He accused officials of forming an organized criminal group to undermine constitutional bodies.
Although Adam Bodnar suspended Ostrowski following these actions, the Disciplinary Court eventually declined to extend the suspension, which expired on April 10, 2026.