Poland’s Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) searched the Climate Ministry and environmental funds Tuesday, securing documents related to the “Clean Air” program amid a European Public Prosecutor’s Office investigation.
CBA Searches Climate Ministry, Secures Documents
The Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) is securing documents pertaining to the “Clean Air” program, with the investigation led by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, according to Jacek Dobrzyński.
CBA officers were present at the Climate Ministry headquarters, confirmed by a ministry spokesperson.
Program Changes Under Scrutiny
Significant changes to the “Clean Air” program in 2022, including the introduction of pre-financing without adequate safeguards, and the removal of unit cost limits for thermal modernization in 2023, are being examined.
These changes reportedly led to problems for beneficiaries and fraudulent practices by some contractors, resulting in approximately 700 ongoing investigations by prosecutors, including the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, and the Police.
Program Suspension and Restart
The National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management (NFOŚiGW) suspended the program in late 2024 due to the irregularities. A revised version of the program launched at the end of March 2025.
New Safeguards for Beneficiaries
The Ministry of Climate and Environment spokesperson emphasized that the new program edition incorporates “rules increasing the safety of beneficiaries and protecting them from abuse.”
The ministry, NFOŚiGW, and regional funds are cooperating with prosecutors and providing all requested documentation.
European Public Prosecutor’s Office Investigation
In October 2025, the European Public Prosecutor’s Office took over the investigation into abuses related to the implementation of the “Clean Air” program, previously overseen by the Szczecin District Prosecutor’s Office.
Prosecutors estimate the total damage to be several tens of millions of zlotys, with crimes occurring between 2022 and December 2024.
Details of the Alleged Fraud
A company from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, acting as a contractor, allegedly entered into agreements with program beneficiaries for thermal modernization work and heat source replacement.
Prosecutors allege the perpetrator primarily engaged in fraudulently obtaining funds by misleading beneficiaries regarding the feasibility of project implementation.
“Clean Air” Program Overview
The “Clean Air” program provides subsidies to homeowners for replacing old heating systems with more environmentally friendly options, such as heat pumps (gas furnaces are currently ineligible), and for building thermal modernization.
Since April of last year, an energy audit is mandatory before investment, followed by an energy performance certificate demonstrating the impact of the thermal modernization.
Ongoing Program Modifications
Public consultations on further changes to the “Clean Air” program concluded on March 16th. These changes will be implemented in stages in 2026, with some requiring approval from the European Investment Bank (EIB), which oversees the Modernization Fund financing the program.
Over 1 million applications, totaling over 41 billion zlotys in funding, have been submitted to the program since September 2018.
