The Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) of Poland has launched a significant investigation concerning procurement irregularities linked to the Territorial Defense Forces (WOT), resulting in the arrest of two prominent individuals. The operation, which occurred on February 5, 2025, marks one of the most notable actions taken by the CBA against senior figures involved with military logistics and supply chains.
Among those arrested are Father General Sławomir Żarski, who holds the rank of brigadier general, and Ryszard Walczak, both of whom are believed to be involved in corrupt practices related to vehicle procurement for WOT. According to Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesperson for the Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration, the duo was detained by CBA agents based on suspicions of facilitating vehicle deliveries for financial gain or benefits.
The arrests were executed at ten locations across three Polish provinces, resulting not just in the apprehension of these two individuals but also the seizure of important documentation and digital data related to the case. Dobrzyński highlighted on social media the significant scope of the operation, indicating the seriousness with which the CBA is treating these allegations.
Details surrounding the specifics of the corruption investigation were not fully disclosed, per Dobrzyński's statements emphasizing the need for confidentiality during preliminary proceedings. This lack of transparency, unfortunately, is common during high-profile corruption cases, particularly when they involve influential individuals.
Father Żarski has had his fair share of controversies. Known previously as a senior military figure, he transitioned to a clerical role where he served as a prominent priest. Notably, he was involved in a controversial property transaction back in 2002, where he sold land to current Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and his wife, Iwona, at an astonishingly reduced price—approximately 700,000 PLN for property valued at around 4 million PLN. This deal raised eyebrows and triggered investigations, but no charges were ever pursued by the authorities at the time.
Notably, the inquiry surrounding Żarski dated back to revelations about his connections with the Polish Security Service (SB) during the communist era, where he was reportedly considered to be working as an informant.
With regards to Ryszard Walczak, less is known about his personal background but he is recognized as having strong affiliations with the ruling Law and Justice party (PiS) and has previously been involved with projects aimed at national memory, including several controversial monuments erected to commemorate figures tied to significant historical events, such as the Smolensk crash victims.
The investigation casts light on concerns of transparency and accountability within military procurement processes, raising questions about the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms currently in place within the Polish armed forces. Observers note the potential repercussions of these arrests on the public's trust, particularly relating to the government's efforts to maintain integrity and combat corruption in the public sector.
This event marks just one of several recent investigations by the CBA, illustrating their active role in policing corruption within various layers of government and associated bodies. The scrutiny over WOT’s procurement process is expected to prompt discussions on reforms aimed at bolstering ethical standards and reducing corruption risks.
The ministry's reactions and subsequent developments will be closely monitored as the investigation progresses and answers surrounding the allegations begin to emerge. The outcomes may redefine how operations and dealings within the WOT are conducted or at least lead to calls for more stringent oversight and accountability.
This investigation raises fundamental questions about the intersection of political interests, military needs, and ethical conduct—issues at the forefront of the Polish public discourse as political stability is intricately tied to actions taken against corruption.