On the morning of March 7, 2025, Dariusz Matecki, a member of the Law and Justice party (PiS), was detained by officers from the Internal Security Agency (ABW) near the Warszawa Główna railway station. Following his arrest, he was taken to the National Prosecutor's Office, where he faced questioning as a suspect and was charged with six crimes related to irregularities in the Justice Fund.
On March 8, the Warsaw-Mokotów District Court decided to impose a two-month detention on Matecki, citing substantial evidence that made the allegations against him plausible. The court also expressed concerns regarding the potential obstruction of justice and the risk of a significant prison sentence, which could be up to 10 years.
The charges against Matecki are serious and multifaceted. He is accused of collaborating with public officials from the Ministry of Justice, including former Deputy Minister Marcin Romanowski, in manipulating three grant competitions from the Justice Fund for the Fidei Defensor Association and the Friends of Health Association. Allegedly, Matecki misappropriated over 16.5 million PLN through improper spending, paying unreliable invoices, and compensating for fictitious employment.
Additionally, the prosecutor's office has charged him with money laundering, involving at least 447,500 PLN derived from the embezzlement of Justice Fund resources. Two further charges relate to his fictitious employment with the State Forests from June 2020 to October 2023, where he reportedly received 483,860 PLN without performing any actual work.
On March 15, the court reaffirmed the necessity of his detention, emphasizing the need to prevent any unlawful interference with the ongoing investigation. As a result, Matecki was initially placed in the Remand Center in Warsaw-Służewiec but was later transferred to the Remand Center in Radom on March 11, 2025. This transfer was described as a precautionary measure to ensure he received adequate medical care, as Radom has a medical ward.
Recent reports indicate that Matecki's health has become a growing concern. Telewizja Republika reported that he was moved from the remand center to an oncology hospital in Radom, raising alarms about his condition. While his attorney, Kacper Stukan, initially denied any significant health changes, stating, "I have no knowledge that anything unusual has happened," the situation appears to be more serious. Images of Matecki being transported in a wheelchair have surfaced, leading to speculation about the severity of his health issues.
MP Mariusz Gosek expressed his worries, noting that Matecki has lost approximately 15 kg in recent weeks, attributing this weight loss to the harsh conditions of his detention. He claimed, "These are not conditions in which he should be kept! The amount of hate directed at him is causing such reactions. These are inhumane actions," suggesting that Matecki's deteriorating health could be linked to the stress of his imprisonment.
As the legal proceedings continue, the prosecutor's office has submitted a request to the Sejm to lift Matecki's parliamentary immunity, allowing for his continued detention and further legal action. Matecki has publicly stated that he waives his immunity, despite disagreeing with the charges against him. The Sejm has since given formal consent for his arrest.
The allegations against Matecki highlight ongoing concerns regarding corruption and misuse of public funds in Poland. The Justice Fund, which is intended to support various social initiatives, has come under scrutiny due to these alleged misappropriations, raising questions about the integrity of public officials and the systems in place to oversee such funds.
Matecki's case is not isolated; it reflects a broader pattern of legal challenges facing politicians in Poland as authorities grapple with issues of accountability and transparency. The outcomes of these legal proceedings could have significant implications for the PiS party and its reputation, particularly in light of the upcoming elections.
As the investigation unfolds, the public and media will be watching closely to see how the justice system addresses these serious allegations. The situation serves as a reminder of the critical importance of maintaining ethical standards in public office and ensuring that those who violate the law are held accountable.
In the meantime, Dariusz Matecki remains in custody, with his health and legal status closely monitored. The coming weeks will be crucial as the court proceedings advance and more details emerge regarding the allegations against him.
