Polish prosecutors are requesting the arrest of MP Zbigniew Ziobro, accusing him of founding and running an organized crime group and misappropriating Justice Fund money.
Prosecutor Seeks Arrest of Ziobro
In a statement issued on Tuesday, 28 October, prosecutors announced a formal request to detain MP Zbigniew Ziobro. They cited a file containing evidence that they believe justifies a suspicion that the MP committed 26 criminal acts. The alleged offenses relate closely to his duties as Minister of Justice and Attorney General.
Evidence Accumulated Over Months
According to prosecutor Anna Adamiak, the case stemmed from months of investigation that culminated in a comprehensive compilation of evidence. The evidence led the prosecutor to establish that Ziobro founded and led an organized crime group. Adamiak also warned that the MP faces up to 25 years in prison.
Allegations of Organized Crime Leadership
The prosecutor’s filing details that Ziobro, in his capacity as a public official, allegedly failed to fulfil duties and exceeded his powers. He is accused of coordinating activities to obtain personal, political, and financial gains together with identified associates—Dariusz M., Marcin R., Michał W., and others—in an organized crime group he founded. The conduct allegedly involved misappropriating or attempting to misappropriate funds from the Justice Fund, impairing state and private interests by restricting access to the Fund’s resources.
Committee Hearing and Confession to Pegasus Deal
In October, Ziobro was summoned by police to a Pegasus committee session. He admitted being the initiator of transferring funds for the procurement of Pegasus from the Ministry of Justice, expressing pride over his role. He claimed this technology was intended for international threat detection.
Committee Chairs Warn of Legal Consequences
Committee chair Magdalena Sroka stated that Ziobro bears full responsibility for mismanaging the Justice Fund, which should have benefited victims of crime. She noted the MP may face up to 15 years in prison for exceeding powers and neglecting duties. Witold Zembaczyński added that the prosecutor should thoroughly investigate because Ziobro might continue influencing others and could abscond abroad.