Self-Appointed “Inspectors” Target Ukrainian Business: One Suspect Previously Investigated for Espionage

Two men have been charged with defamation after attempting to “inspect” a Ukrainian-owned office in Poznań, with reports indicating one suspect was previously arrested by the Internal Security Agency for suspected espionage.

The Poznań Incident

On July 7, a woman notified police that three days prior, several individuals slandered her at the Poznań University of Economics, where she rents office space for her business. A recording of the confrontation circulated online.

The men, claiming Ukraine is hostile to Poland, interrogated the woman about her stance on Bandera and her decision to operate a business in Poland. She refused them entry, asserting her company operates legally.

Legal Proceedings and Suspect Backgrounds

Two men were charged with defamation and have pleaded not guilty. Police have ordered them to report for check-ins and barred them from contacting the victim. They face penalties ranging from fines to one year of imprisonment.

TVN24 reports that one suspect is Jarosław K., a former Territorial Defence Force (WOT) soldier. He was previously detained by the Internal Security Agency in March on suspicion of spying for Russia, though a court later rejected a request for his temporary arrest.

Judicial Scrutiny and National Security

Minister of National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz commented on the case, stressing that the state’s vigilance against Russian hybrid threats must be heightened. He criticized the court’s decision to release the suspect, arguing that the judiciary must better account for the reality of current security risks.

The court acknowledged that evidence exists suggesting the suspect may have violated Article 130 of the Penal Code regarding potential cooperation with foreign intelligence, though it deemed the evidence insufficient for pre-trial detention at that time.