Polish police arrest 12 suspects linked to an organized crime ring that siphoned funds from religious groups across Poland and beyond between 2020 and 2025.
Investigation Scope
The Central Investigation Office of Police (CBSP), supervised by the West Pomeranian Szczecin Local Department of Organized Crime and Corruption of the National Prosecutor’s Office, uncovered a criminal group that operated from December 2020 to November 2025. Its activities were concentrated in Szczecin, spread to other Polish towns, and extended beyond national borders.
The ring exploited organizational units of trade unions within religious groups to amass financial resources and conceal assets. A key element of the case involved the Szczecin Faith‑Based Municipality, a unit of the Natural Church.
Arrests and Charges
On 1 December 2025, 12 individuals were detained. They face charges of leading and participating in an organized crime group, fraud against the Church Fund, and supplying false data to the Social Insurance Institute. Prosecutors allege that the suspects sought unentitled benefits, inflated payments, and falsified documents related to missionary appointments.
They also allegedly obstructed enforcement procedures by falsely assigning burdens to property through claimed consecration. The Central Investigation Office accuses the group of money laundering activities. One detainee faced an additional charge of inciting serious crimes that caused serious bodily harm and imprisonment.
Four arrested are under temporary arrest; the others are subject to police supervision and financial guarantees.
Financial Losses
CBSP estimates that the Church Fund suffered losses of at least six million zlotys due to the group’s operations. The office, together with the prosecutor’s office, is working to map the exact mechanisms used and identify all individuals involved.
