State Protection Service Chief Gen. Radosław Jaworski suspended after findings revealed financial and disciplinary issues.
SOP Chief Suspended Amid Investigation
According to journalist Mariusz Gierszewski from Radio ZET, the commander of the State Protection Service, Brig. Gen. Radosław Jaworski, was suspended as a result of a control conducted in the SOP last year. The control revealed that the general could have exposed the state treasury to losses of about 1 million zloty due to non-payment of contractual fees to a company from which cars were purchased.
The company was also found to be failing to properly service and repair the vehicles, according to Radio ZET.
Additional Reasons for Suspension
According to Gierszewski’s findings, the second issue was the acceptance of a person with a criminal record for drunk driving into the SOP. The final reason was concerns about the protective action plans adopted by Gen. Jaworski for persons protected by the SOP.
Minister Marcin Kierwiński reportedly learned about these issues at the turn of the year.
Accelerated Actions After Letter
“The control certainly revealed ‘wonderful’ actions by ‘Jawor’. Especially personnel and financial. And we have what we have. The letter from that week angered the minister and only accelerated the actions,” said an informant from the services familiar with the case to Wirtualna Polska.
The informant was referring to a January letter to the MSWiA signed by several SOP directors, in which they called for the general to return to service.
Official Statement
The SOP commander has been suspended and disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against him. The decision was made by MSWiA head Marcin Kierwiński. “SOP is a service composed of professional officers. Devoted to their country and their work. However, it is a particularly sensitive area. My decision to suspend the SOP commander is dictated by the good of this service. And that is the only comment on this matter,” explained the head of the department.
The duties of the SOP head have been taken over by the current deputy commander, Col. Tomasz Jackowicz.
