Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk alleges a major cryptocurrency exchange, Zondacrypto, financed campaigns linked to the former PiS government and potentially has ties to Russian mafia.
Tusk Announces Revised Crypto Bill
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced that a revised bill regarding crypto assets will return to the Sejm this week. He stated the updated legislation will differ from the twice-vetoed version only by including stricter penalties for fraud and endangering Polish state security.
Tusk also announced a tightening of criminal regulations against entities committing abuses in the cryptocurrency market, targeting those exploiting investor ignorance or trust, potentially causing financial losses and risks to national security.
Allegations of Political Funding
Tusk referenced previous attempts to regulate the crypto market, which he claims were blocked by the opposition and the President. He emphasized the urgent need for legislation to mitigate abuse and increase market transparency.
“This concerns the financing of various campaigns linked to PiS by this cryptocurrency exchange, organizing, financing, and patronizing political events during the presidential campaign in support of President Nawrocki. This is direct funding of right-wing politicians, including former Minister Ziobro,” Tusk stated.
Zondacrypto and Alleged Russian Connections
Tusk pointed to the operations of Zondacrypto and its alleged connections to the Russian mafia.
Hołownia on Presidential Vetoes
Sejm Vice-Marshal Szymon Hołownia questioned the benefit of further legislative attempts if the President continues to veto crypto bills. He suggested the focus might shift to questioning the President’s involvement, potentially leading to accusations of political maneuvering.
Hołownia Dismisses “Circus” and Supports Alternative Bill
Hołownia dismissed the ongoing debate as a “circus” and stated that if progress is possible, the Polish 2050 project, which he believes advances the issue further, should be adopted and further work undertaken.
The Polish 2050 project was submitted to the Sejm in early December, following the Sejm’s initial failure to override the President’s veto of the government’s crypto asset bill. The project reportedly addresses some of President Nawrocki’s concerns.
Hołownia Doubts Presidential Involvement
When asked if the President was implicated in the crypto matter, Hołownia stated he did not believe so.
“I believe that the PiS environment, in its blind pursuit of power and money, showed considerable imprudence in its financial ties with such sponsors and is now paying the political price. Is the President involved in a causative or conscious way? I am convinced he is not,” Hołownia said.
History of Crypto Bill Vetoes
The Sejm first passed the crypto market act in late September. It proposed that the Financial Supervision Commission (KNF) would oversee the market. President Nawrocki vetoed the bill on December 1, 2025, citing “overregulation” and risks to civil liberties, particularly regarding the ability to quickly block websites of crypto entities.
The Sejm re-passed the bill in almost unchanged form on December 18. This version was also vetoed by President Nawrocki on February 12, 2026. The Sejm failed to override the veto on April 17.
Zondacrypto Faces Scrutiny
Media reports in early April indicated that Zondacrypto, Poland’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, may have serious liquidity problems. The Katowice Regional Prosecutor’s Office is investigating potential fraud against clients and money laundering. The investigation focuses on significant fraud and money laundering.
Tusk Details Alleged Sponsorships
Tusk informed the Sejm that Zondacrypto sponsored political and social events in Poland and promoted specific political forces, including the CPAC event in Rzeszów, which featured President Nawrocki and former President Duda.
Tusk also stated that the exchange donated 450,000 złoty to the Zbigniew Ziobro’s Institute of Polish Sovereignty and 70,000 euros to a company linked to Zondacrypto, which then transacted with Confederation MP Przemysław Wipler’s “Dobry Rząd” foundation.
