Zbigniew M., the former chief of Polish police, was arrested by agents of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) on the evening of February 28, 2025, at Warsaw's Chopin Airport. The arrest took place as he disembarked from a flight from Sri Lanka and was part of a sprawling investigation led by the District Prosecutor's Office in Wrocław.
Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesperson for the Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA), confirmed the incident, stating, "On the instructions of the prosecutor's office, CBA agents arrested the former chief of police. The arrest took place on Friday evening at Warsaw's Chopin Airport after Zbigniew M. disembarked from the plane he arrived on from Sri Lanka. After necessary procedural actions were taken, the former chief was transported to the District Prosecutor's Office in Wrocław." These procedural measures included searches and the securing of evidence required to advance the investigation.
This latest arrest is not Zbigniew M.'s first run-in with the law. The former police chief first attracted legal scrutiny back in May 2018 when he was arrested alongside former regional directors of the CBA, Krzysztof A. and Jacek L. Zbigniew M. was charged with ten counts, including illegally disclosing information related to criminal investigations. The importance of this information became clear: it not only undermined the integrity of police operations but also appeared to serve private interests over public safety.
Details surrounding the current investigation are alarming. Sources reveal it concerns extensive economic crimes, with potential damages to the Treasury reaching billions of złotys. It has been reported to be linked to VAT fraud schemes, underscoring the severity and complexity of the accusations against Zbigniew M. The spokesperson Dobrzyński described the case as significant and multifaceted, asserting, "This is an arrest connected to a significant economic matter, multi-faceted," as discussed on TVN24. He added, "He was surprised when he saw the CBA agents," highlighting the unexpected nature of the situation for Zbigniew M.
During his tenure, which included the years 2015 to 2016, Zbigniew M. was seen as both a promising leader and figure of controversy. He was appointed by former Interior Minister Mariusz Błaszczak but resigned two months later, indicating the internal tumult within the police hierarchy. He cited experiences of purported provocations orchestrated by former colleagues, which he claimed were aimed at discrediting him.
Following these events, Zbigniew M. played a pivotal role as the creator and member of the Kidnapping Team, responsible for developing algorithms outlining police action plans during crises. His involvement established frameworks for current practices within the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBŚ). Notably, the recent charges of misconduct have cast a shadow over his past contributions to the department and created skepticism about his previous leadership.
The gravity of the situation has escalated since the recent arrest, as it is not only Zbigniew M. under scrutiny; others associated with him during his police leadership are also at risk of being implicated. Dobrzyński remarked on the case's developing nature, stating, "This is not the first Polish police officer arrested connected to this case. This investigation appears set to expand, with potential ramifications far beyond just one individual."
With the inquiry still underway and Zbigniew M. awaiting his next steps after being taken to Wrocław, observers await developments carefully, recognizing the delicate balance between upholding law enforcement integrity and addressing systemic corruption within public institutions.
This case highlights the significant challenges the Polish authorities face concerning corruption, accountability, and the need for reform within law enforcement to restore public trust. The upcoming legal proceedings will undoubtedly reveal more about the depth of these allegations and the extent of corruption within the ranks of the police force.