Polish officials, from local councilors to national politicians, face convictions and ongoing investigations for theft ranging from tractors and groceries to luxury goods, mirroring incidents abroad.
Polish Politicians Accused of Theft
In 2011, Maciej Wąsik allegedly failed to pay for 50 litres of fuel costing about 220 PLN at a Wilanów service station, claiming he had been “misled” during a protest near the Presidential Palace. In 2014, Korynna Korwin-Mikke was fined for a minor shoplifting incident at OBI, where she admitted stealing goods worth roughly 2 000 PLN and was reprimanded with a 500 PLN fine. She was also a candidate for the European Parliament that year.
Local Court Cases Highlight Theft by Officials
In 2024, former Łosicki County chairman Marek G. was sentenced to one year in prison for stealing a tractor valued at 230 000 PLN and a seed machine worth 260 000 PLN from a farm in Cieleśnica, Lublin Voivodeship. The theft occurred during the night of 13–14 October 2021.
Eugeniusz W., a councilor of Chojnice County, was charged with shoplifting from a Debrzno store, incurring losses of about 30 000 PLN. He was caught during a police sting and admitted to taking only 800 PLN on 5 June 2024, denying broader involvement. Another local politician, Jerzy H. of Przeworsk, was fined after a 90 PLN theft from a market in 2019.
International Incidents Mirror Polish Trend
Norwegian media reported in July 2023 that left‑wing leader Bjørn Arne Moxnes stole Hugo Boss sunglasses at Oslo Airport, admitted guilt, and resigned. New Zealand’s parliament member faced charges in 2024 for stealing clothes from three stores totaling almost $10 000, leading to resignation. In Portugal, Chega party politician Miguel Arruda was accused in 2024 of looting suitcases at Lisbon Airport; the Guardian reported that some stolen bags were later found at his residence. Arruda denies the charges, remains in parliament, but has been expelled from his party.
