Polish prosecutors are investigating whether former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro used a temporary Hungarian passport to travel to the United States while under a domestic search warrant.
The Hungarian Passport Investigation
Polish authorities are examining reports that Zbigniew Ziobro, currently wanted in connection with the Justice Fund investigation, may have utilized an ideiglenes magánútlevél—a temporary Hungarian passport issued for emergency situations. Investigators are determining if this document was issued to a non-citizen or if irregular procedures were applied.
The situation gained momentum after the National Prosecutor’s Office confirmed Ziobro departed from Milan for the United States on May 9. Officials are now analyzing how the former minister crossed Schengen borders, particularly given that his Polish passport had been previously invalidated.
Travel Route and Documentation
While reports suggested Ziobro held political asylum in Hungary, Hungarian officials stated the government learned of his departure through the media and denied he exited the country via the Hungarian-Schengen border. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage, flight data, and travel reservations to trace his route between Hungary and Italy.
Questions have also arisen regarding his entry into the U.S. National Prosecutor’s Office spokesperson Przemysław Nowak confirmed Ziobro entered the country using a visa issued for a “foreign media member.” Prosecutors are now verifying the information provided in his visa application and the legal basis for its issuance.
Broader Context of the Inquiry
Prok. Przemysław Nowak previously indicated that non-standard border crossing methods may have been used, potentially involving diplomatic procedures or substitute documents. The investigation remains sensitive, as Ziobro is a key figure in the ongoing probe into alleged misappropriations within the Justice Fund.
Authorities have not yet confirmed if formal requests for full travel documentation have been sent to Hungarian or American counterparts. However, officials are rigorously scrutinizing both visa details and the documents used to navigate European borders.