Poland’s Internal Security Agency (ABW) has filed a notification to prosecutors regarding the participation of the Head of the National Security Bureau (BBN) in a February National Security Council (RBN) meeting.
Security Agency Complaint Filed
The Internal Security Agency (ABW) has submitted a notification to the prosecutor’s office following February’s National Security Council (RBN) meeting, concerning the attendance of the Head of the BBN, Sławomir Cenckiewicz, according to a statement by Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesperson for the Minister Coordinating Special Services.
The notification relates to the potential crime of participating in a meeting without the right to access classified information, Dobrzyński explained on X (formerly Twitter). It has been referred to the National Prosecutor’s Office.
Unauthorized Access to Classified Information
Dobrzyński clarified in a subsequent briefing that the complaint specifically concerns Sławomir Cenckiewicz, Head of the National Security Bureau. He recalled that the RBN meeting, held on February 11th, was classified as confidential, noting it was a “low-level classification, but it was a confidential RBN meeting.”
Concerns Over Meeting Organization
“The organizer should ensure that all individuals present have the appropriate certifications and access to classified information. It turned out that one person, namely Sławomir Cenckiewicz, Head of the National Security Bureau, did not have such access,” stated the spokesperson.
Justified Suspicion of Criminal Activity
The ABW analyzed the matter and determined there was a justified suspicion of a crime committed by the person who allowed someone without access to classified information to attend the meeting. The spokesperson emphasized the sensitivity of protecting classified information, particularly given the ongoing war in Ukraine and regional instability.
Dobrzyński expressed confidence that the prosecutor’s office would initiate an investigation.
Political Reactions to the Complaint
Tomasz Trela, Deputy Head of the Parliamentary Committee investigating Pegasus, commented on the matter, stating it was positive that the prosecutor’s office was addressing the issue. He argued that individuals without access to top-secret documents should not participate in key state bodies.
Trela stated that Cenckiewicz repeatedly attended meetings despite being denied security clearance by the services, and should face consequences.
Dispute Over Cenckiewicz’s Access
The February 11th National Security Council meeting, convened by President Karol Nawrocki, addressed issues including a loan from the SAFE program. Minister Coordinator of Special Services Tomasz Siemoniak announced in February that the ABW would investigate Cenckiewicz’s participation.
According to the services, Cenckiewicz lacks access to classified information due to ongoing legal and administrative proceedings, and therefore could not be granted access to the confidential meeting, even on a one-time basis.
Conflicting Positions on Legality of Access
The President’s Chancellery stated in mid-February that the one-time authorization granted to Cenckiewicz to access restricted information at the meeting was lawful, falling within the statutory powers of the Head of the Chancellery.
Cenckiewicz’s security clearance was revoked by the Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW) in July 2024. Following his appeal, the Warsaw Administrative Court overturned the decision on June 17th of the previous year. The Prime Minister’s Chancellery filed a cassation appeal with the Supreme Administrative Court on August 5th of the previous year, where the case is ongoing.
Background: Medication and Security Clearance
In December of the previous year, “Gazeta Wyborcza” published an article regarding medications Cenckiewicz was reportedly taking. The newspaper claimed that failing to disclose this information on his security questionnaire led to the SKW revoking his security clearance and access to classified information.
Cenckiewicz maintains that he possesses access to classified information based on security clearances issued by the SKW, citing the June 17, 2025 ruling by the Administrative Court. He also asserts that, as the head of the National Security Bureau, he has access to “restricted” classified information under the Act on the Protection of Classified Information.
Presidential Authority and Meeting Participation
According to information on the BBN website, the President can invite individuals to participate in the National Security Council’s work, beyond its members, if their participation is deemed necessary based on the matters being discussed. Council meetings are confidential unless the President orders otherwise.
RMF FM first reported the ABW’s notification to the prosecutor’s office. (PAP)