Warsaw prosecutors have charged PiS MP Krzysztof Szczucki with abuse of power for allegedly diverting funds from the Government Legislation Centre (RCL) to his 2023 parliamentary campaign.
Indictment Against MP Szczucki
The Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against Krzysztof Szczucki, a member of the PiS party. The charges relate to alleged abuse of power while he headed the Government Legislation Centre (RCL) during the United Right government.
Allegations of Fund Misuse
Prosecutors allege that between November 2022 and October 2023, Szczucki exceeded his authority by creating an Education and Communication Department within the RCL and hiring six individuals without proper procedures. These individuals allegedly focused on promoting Szczucki’s election campaign rather than RCL’s objectives.
The campaign in question was for the parliamentary elections held on October 15, 2023.
Campaign Activities and Financial Impact
According to prosecutors, the hired staff, along with other RCL employees, organized at least 82 events related to Szczucki’s campaign, distributing leaflets, sweets, and campaign banners while wearing Szczucki’s campaign merchandise. They received salaries and benefits from the RCL for this work.
The alleged misuse of funds resulted in damages to the State Treasury totaling at least 900,000 PLN.
Lack of Qualifications and Campaign Ties
Prosecutors claim Szczucki specified positions and salaries based solely on names and phone numbers, without requiring CVs. Investigations revealed that the hired individuals lacked the necessary qualifications, experience, or competence for their roles, possessing only secondary or incomplete higher education.
Direct Link to Szczucki’s Election Committee
Five of the six employees were members of Szczucki’s election committee, holding positions such as campaign manager, assistants, and media contacts. They actively participated in pre-election meetings and campaign events.
RCL Audit and Initial Findings
The charges stem from a notification submitted to the prosecutor’s office by the RCL itself, following an internal audit that revealed irregularities in the expenditure of public funds between 2022 and 2023. The audit highlighted the creation of the Education and Communication Department solely for Szczucki’s campaign purposes.
Szczucki’s Response and Previous Statements
Szczucki responded to the indictment on social media, claiming it was a smear campaign linked to his relationship with Waldemar Żurek, the current Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General. He maintains his innocence and asserts the RCL operated correctly under his leadership.
In May 2024, Prime Minister Donald Tusk had already reported that Szczucki hired six individuals who did not perform any work but were involved in his election campaign, with 900,000 PLN being spent on them and additional costs for promotional events.
