Polish authorities arrested 16 individuals across the country in a coordinated operation targeting a criminal group involved in vehicle theft, legalization of stolen cars, and insurance fraud.
Operation Targets Organized Crime Group
Police from Otwock County, the Car Crime Department of the Capital Police Headquarters, and the Nadbużański Border Guard, with support from numerous units nationwide, conducted a large-scale operation against an organized criminal group.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 16 individuals involved in vehicle theft, legalization of vehicles, and insurance fraud.
Initial Investigation and First Arrests
The investigation began in November of last year with the arrest of 8 individuals suspected of organized crime, vehicle theft, attempted vehicle theft, fraud, burglary, and receiving stolen goods.
Continued Investigation and Second Phase
Following the initial success, investigators continued to develop the case, working in parallel. The Otwock investigation was supported by operational officers from Warsaw’s car crime unit. The investigation is being led by the Otwock District Prosecutor’s Office.
Coordinated Nationwide Arrests
Months of intensive investigation led to the identification of additional individuals involved in the criminal activity. Last week, police decided to execute a second phase of the operation, simultaneously arresting 16 people in various parts of Poland.
The operation involved police from Otwock and the Car Crime Department of the KSP, requiring extensive support from units including the Warsaw Anti-Terrorist Police Unit, the Nadbużański Border Guard, and police from the Gdańsk Voivodeship Police Headquarters.
Advanced Technology and Specialized Units
The operation utilized advanced equipment, including a georadar from the Central Bureau of Investigation’s Anti-Terrorism Department and drones from the Warsaw Police Headquarters Command Center.
A police dog from the KSP Intelligence and Patrol Department was also used to detect narcotics, as one of the suspects was believed to be involved in drug trafficking.
Criminal Activities and Insurance Fraud Scheme
The arrested individuals were linked to a group involved in vehicle theft in Poland and other EU countries. They were also involved in legalizing stolen cars, burglaries, and receiving stolen goods.
A significant aspect of the investigation involves insurance fraud, where the group intentionally staged accidents. A “stuntman” initiated collisions, then a “replacement driver” would claim responsibility and file a claim, resulting in nearly 2 million złoty in fraudulent payouts.
Seized Evidence and Assets
During the operation, police recovered and secured 7 vehicles (including cars and vans), 169,000 złoty, 4,885 euro, and nearly 3 kg of drugs (approximately 1.9 kg of amphetamine, 700 g of marijuana, and nearly 200 g of mephedrone).
They also seized specialized electronic tools worth nearly 800,000 złoty, including devices for starting vehicles, such as “suitcases,” “gemboys,” and “jammers.”
Detention and Charges
On the request of the Otwock District Prosecutor’s Office, a court has ordered 8 of the 16 detainees to be held in temporary arrest for 3 months.
The remaining 8 individuals have been placed under police supervision, with some restrictions including passport confiscation and travel bans.
One of the detainees, a 35-year-old man, has been charged with trafficking significant quantities of drugs and psychotropic substances.
Ongoing Investigation
Currently, 15 individuals are in custody, most of whom are charged with participation in an organized criminal group. Other charges include burglary, insurance fraud, receiving stolen goods, and money laundering.
The case remains ongoing.