After an Instagram influencer drove a sports car into the restricted Tatra National Park and received a minimal fine, the government has moved to blacklist him from Poland for five years.
Illegal Entry Into Protected Territory
Ukrainian influencer Andriy Gavryliv, who has nearly one million Instagram followers, drove a sports Corvette onto the road leading to Morskie Oko, despite a strict ban on private vehicles in Tatra National Park. The incident sparked public outrage, drawing direct responses from Prime Minister Donald Tusk and Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński.
The incident occurred on Friday evening. The driver traveled over eight kilometers along the asphalt road to Morskie Oko, where he took photos with his partner before returning. At the time of the event, the park’s gate was temporarily open due to ongoing construction work.
Initial Fine and Public Backlash
Following the publication of his social media posts, the driver was intercepted by police upon exiting the park. He was issued a 100 PLN fine and 8 penalty points. The local police spokesman, Roman Wieczorek, noted that officers were unaware at the time that the vehicle had traveled all the way to the Morskie Oko area.
In his explanation, Gavryliv claimed he did not notice the “no entry” signs and apologized. However, public criticism intensified after reports suggested he joked that the unique photos were worth the cost of the fine.
Government Intervention and Consequences
Prime Minister Donald Tusk addressed the situation on X, stating that the incident caused justifiable outrage and requested urgent action from the Ministry of the Interior. Interior Minister Marcin Kierwiński confirmed that the perpetrator would be held accountable for violating public order.
Authorities have initiated proceedings to place the driver on the list of undesirable persons, effectively banning him from entering Poland for five years. Minister Kierwiński emphasized that such violations of the law will always be met with a strict state reaction.
Regulatory Stance of the Tatra National Park
Tatra National Park (TPN) director Szymon Ziobrowski condemned the actions, noting that the park is clearly marked and the entry was unauthorized. TPN is conducting its own investigation, as park authorities can impose additional fines of up to 1,000 PLN.
The incident has sparked a wider debate regarding the enforcement of regulations in protected areas. The contrast between the initial low fine and the severity of the unauthorized entry into a popular natural landmark turned the case from a standard traffic violation into a broader issue of public order.