A London court has once more postponed a decision regarding the extradition of former head of the State Agency for Strategic Reserves (RARS) to Poland, extending the legal limbo.
Kuczmierowski Extradition Hearing Postponed
A Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London was scheduled to convene at 10:00 AM local time (11:00 AM Polish time) on Monday, April 13th. Despite the presence of both parties, the hearing was delayed for over an hour and ultimately adjourned again.
No Decision on Former RARS Chief’s Extradition
There remains no decision regarding the extradition of the former head of RARS. Previous dates for a decision have been repeatedly postponed. In September 2023, the last court session was rescheduled due to a breakdown in London’s water supply, preventing court operations.
Charges Against Kuczmierowski
In August 2024, the former RARS chief was charged with participation in an organized crime group, dereliction of duty, and abuse of authority for financial gain.
Kuczmierowski’s Ties to Morawiecki and Advancement Under PiS
Kuczmierowski is a close associate of Mateusz Morawiecki and previously managed BZ WBK bank while the former prime minister held a position there. Under the PiS government, Kuczmierowski advanced through state-owned entities, including PKO BP, the Polish Armaments Group, and ultimately became president of the Government Agency for Strategic Reserves, according to Wyborcza.pl.
Arrest and Bail
Kuczmierowski was arrested in London in early September 2024 based on a European Arrest Warrant issued by Polish authorities. In February 2025, a British court allowed him to be released on bail and a property bond. He was released on February 10th.
Failed Attempts for ‘Letter of Guarantee’
His defense sought a ‘letter of guarantee’ to prevent arrest upon return to Poland pending a final verdict. However, the Warsaw District Court denied the request on three occasions, with the prosecution consistently objecting. A ‘letter of guarantee’ would have prevented his arrest until the conclusion of proceedings against him.
Investigation into RARS Irregularities
The investigation into irregularities at RARS began on December 1st, 2023, led by the Silesian Branch of the Department for Organized Crime and Corruption of the National Prosecutor’s Office in Katowice. It concerns alleged abuse of power and dereliction of duty by RARS employees during procurement processes between February 23rd, 2021, and November 27th, 2023, in Warsaw, with the intent to gain financial benefits.