Vigilante Patrols Harass Foreigners at Central Station as Police Launch Investigation

Self-proclaimed patrols wearing paramilitary uniforms have begun stopping and questioning foreigners at Warsaw Central Station, prompting an official condemnation from the Ministry of the Interior and an ongoing police inquiry.

Police Response and Legal Proceedings

The Metropolitan Police Headquarters has been gathering evidence regarding the patrols for several days. This documentation will be submitted to the prosecutor’s office to assess the legal and criminal implications of these activities.

Interior Minister Marcin Kierwinski ordered the police to take action over the past weekend. Police spokespeople reiterated that impersonating a public official is a criminal offense, noting that such behavior fuels social tension and undermines public trust in law enforcement.

Nature of the Vigilante Operations

Viral footage shows men in uniform-like clothing, labeled “BPG” (Defending the Polish Border), intercepting individuals of Middle Eastern appearance at Central Station. The individuals involved wear white-and-red flags and crown-bearing eagle patches.

The recordings were authored by Paweł Jaworski, founder of the “Soldiers of Christ” community. The group’s activities have drawn criticism from experts like Professor Rafał Pankowski, who argues the patrols aim to create an atmosphere of fear.

Official Guidance for the Public

Police are currently identifying the individuals involved, though no formal complaints from victims have been filed yet. Authorities have advised the public to demand official identification from anyone claiming to represent state services.

If there is any doubt regarding the legitimacy of an individual claiming to perform a control, citizens are encouraged to call 112 and wait for an authorized police patrol to arrive.