Polish authorities are investigating cryptocurrency exchange Zondacrypto amid allegations of fraud and money laundering, with claims that President Nawrocki was informed of potential issues.
Zondacrypto Investigation Launched
On Friday, April 17th, the Silesian Prosecutor’s Office initiated an investigation into the cryptocurrency exchange Zondacrypto. The case has been assigned to the Central Bureau of Cybercrime in Wrocław.
Prosecutor Michał Binkiewicz of the Katowice Regional Prosecutor’s Office stated the investigation concerns suspected fraud and money laundering.
Political Connections Alleged
Cezary Tomczyk, Deputy Minister of National Defence, described Zondacrypto as a “financial pyramid” and suggested links between the PiS political environment and the exchange. He claimed funds flowed to politicians, including Zbigniew Ziobro and Stanisław Wipler, coinciding with a vote on cryptocurrency legislation.
Prior Warnings and Website Blocking
Ireneusz Sudak of Wyborcza.biz first reported Zondacrypto’s financial problems. The zonda-alert.pl website highlighted issues with withdrawal requests but was quickly blocked.
Sponsorship of Polish Olympic Committee
Zondacrypto has been the general sponsor of the Polish Olympic Committee since October of last year, providing token-based rewards to Polish athletes for their performance at the Winter Olympics in Italy. The sponsorship obligates the exchange to pay Polish athletes 1.38 million złoty.
PKOI Defends Sponsorship Deal
Tomczyk criticized the sponsorship as “thieving,” alleging those involved knew about Zondacrypto’s situation for months. Radosław Piesiewicz, President of the PKOI, stated there were no legal grounds to terminate the sponsorship agreement.
Piesiewicz explained that before the agreement with Zondacrypto, a letter was sent to the Internal Security Agency (ABW) requesting information on potential risks. He stated no response was received.
ABW Denies Receiving Request
The Coordinator of Special Services’ spokesperson and Tomasz Siemoniak refuted the claim, stating the PKOI’s letter of October 17, 2025, did not inquire about Zondacrypto or cryptocurrencies. They also denied reports of a lack of contact with the PKOI.
Presidential Veto and Legislative Stalemate
On Friday, April 17th, the Sejm failed to override President Nawrocki’s veto of the cryptocurrency market act. The act included supervisory measures, such as allowing the KNF to halt public offerings of cryptocurrencies. The President deemed the regulations too restrictive, while the ruling coalition argued the lack of legislation created legal loopholes.
Allegations of Presidential Foreknowledge
Tomczyk asserted that Karol Nawrocki was informed by special services about the individuals behind Zondacrypto and their connections. Prime Minister Donald Tusk echoed this claim, stating the President vetoed the bill despite this information.
Investigation into Political Funding
RMF FM reported that the investigation includes suspicions of Zondacrypto financing political groups. Prosecutors will investigate whether funds from the exchange reached politicians or political parties.
Tomczyk criticized the PiS party for failing to distance itself from the situation and the Konfederacja party for its alleged involvement, as well as President Nawrocki for appearing at a campaign event sponsored by Zondacrypto.
