Poland’s Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) conducted raids at the Ministry of Climate and Environment and related offices, prompted by a European Public Prosecutor’s Office investigation into alleged irregularities within the “Clean Air” program.
Investigation into “Clean Air” Program Launched
The actions were first reported by Radio ZET, stating the investigation concerns potential failures by public officials in establishing and implementing the “Clean Air” program. Jacek Dobrzyński, a spokesperson for the minister coordinating special services, confirmed the operations are taking place in several central and local government offices in Warsaw, with the participation of CBA agents and representatives from the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO).
Ministry Acknowledges Program Issues
The Ministry of Climate and Environment acknowledged significant changes made to the “Clean Air” program in 2022, introducing pre-financing without adequate safeguards, and the removal of unit cost limits for thermal modernization in 2023. These changes reportedly led to problems for beneficiaries and fraudulent practices by some contractors, resulting in approximately 700 ongoing investigations by prosecutors, the EPPO, and the police, some initiated by NFOŚiGW and regional environmental protection funds.
Program Suspension and Restart
The ministry decided to suspend the program in 2024, but it was reinstated the following year with revised rules. The Ministry of Climate and Environment and its funds are fully cooperating with the prosecution and security services, providing all requested documents within the CBA’s timeframe.
Company President Detained at Warsaw Airport
In a related development, the CBA, assisted by Border Guard officers, detained the president of a company involved in thermal modernization projects under the “Clean Air” program at Warsaw Airport. Wyborcza.biz has identified the individual and the company.
European Public Prosecutor’s Office Takes Over 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. The investigation, described as nationwide, has revealed damages totaling several dozen million złoty, allegedly occurring between 2022 and December 2024.
Allegations of Fraudulent Practices
Prosecutors determined that the perpetrator’s actions primarily involved fraudulently obtaining funds at the expense of program beneficiaries, for example, by misleading them about the feasibility of completing the investment. The investigation focused on a company from the West Pomeranian Voivodeship that entered into contracts with beneficiaries for thermal modernization work and the replacement of heating sources.
“Clean Air” Program Details
The “Clean Air” program offers 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 on energy consumption.
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 złoty in funding, have been submitted since September 2018.
