Polish authorities in Poznań have arrested 16 individuals suspected of defrauding a municipal energy company in Rawicz of over 8.5 million złoty.
Allegations of Fraud and Arrests
Police and prosecutors in Poznań dismantled a group in Rawicz accused of systematically draining funds from the municipal energy company. The alleged scheme involved fictitious invoices for coal, inflated costs, and losses exceeding 8.5 million złoty.
A total of 16 people were arrested, including a former company president, with investigators describing the volume of evidence as substantial.
Investigation Triggered by Tips and Surveillance
The Rawicz police, responsible for economic crimes, received information about irregularities within a local firm. This led to a preparatory investigation that gathered extensive evidence pointing to the alleged involvement of the then-president of the Zakład Energetyki Cieplnej (District Heating Plant) in Rawicz, along with other collaborators.
Large-Scale Police Operation
Following notification to the Poznań District Prosecutor’s Office, an investigation was launched, resulting in the arrest of 16 employees of the Zakład Energetyki Cieplnej and its contractors. The operation, conducted on April 14, 2026, involved dozens of police officers from various departments.
Coal Fraud and Inflated Costs
Investigators allege that the fraud involved fictitious invoices for coal deliveries that never occurred, as well as inflating service costs by several times the actual market price. The total losses are estimated to exceed 8.5 million złoty.
Investigation Period and Potential Charges
The investigated events took place between 2020 and 2024. The case is being pursued under the charge of causing significant property damage, which carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Investigators are also examining potential instances of document forgery and tax violations.
Extensive Evidence and Charges Filed
The investigation has already amassed over 100 volumes of evidence. Authorities are analyzing the suspects’ methods and determining if additional individuals were involved.
Preventive Measures and Asset Seizures
All those arrested have been charged. Fourteen suspects were placed under non-custodial preventive measures, including police supervision and property bonds reaching up to 700,000 złoty. Vehicles worth 350,000 złoty were seized, and travel bans were imposed with passport confiscation. Two men were temporarily arrested following a prosecutor’s request and a court decision.
