Interpol has made a significant decision regarding former Deputy Minister of Justice Marcin Romanowski, as it has opted not to issue a red notice for the PiS MP. This unexpected turn of events was confirmed by prosecutor Anna Adamiak, spokesperson for the Attorney General Adam Bodnar, on April 22, 2025. Romanowski is currently wanted under a European Arrest Warrant, but Interpol's refusal to act means he will not be pursued through their channels.
According to Adamiak, the Interpol Secretariat General decided that searches for Romanowski would not be included in their system. "This means Mr. Marcin R. will not be sought through Interpol channels," she stated. A red notice serves as an international alert that a person is wanted by authorities in one of Interpol's member states, requesting their location and arrest.
The application for a red notice was submitted to Interpol's General Secretariat in Lyon by Poland's National Police Headquarters, prior to the issuance of the European Arrest Warrant. Romanowski faces over a dozen charges, including manipulating competitions within the Justice Fund and involvement in an organized criminal group.
After fleeing to Hungary, where he was granted political asylum, Romanowski's situation became even more complex. In mid-March, the Hungarian parliament enacted amendments to enhance cooperation in criminal matters with EU member states, which some analysts believe were designed to complicate his extradition back to Poland. The weekly publication "HVG" suggested that these new legal provisions would allow the Hungarian Supreme Court to potentially overturn a lower court's decision regarding Romanowski's extradition.
Further complicating matters, the Hungarian Prosecutor General announced that they had received documents related to a European Investigation Order concerning Romanowski. This order is issued by a court or prosecutor's office in one EU member state to carry out procedures in another member state for obtaining evidence in criminal cases. The Hungarian authorities have up to 60 days to determine whether they will act on this order.
Romanowski and his supporters claim that the investigation into the Justice Fund is politically motivated, describing it as "political revenge using the prosecutor's office." The Polish National Prosecutor's Office has accused him of serious corruption crimes, including participation in an organized criminal group and manipulating competitions for funds from the Justice Fund, which he oversaw from 2019 to 2023.
In December 2024, a Polish court had ordered a three-month detention for Romanowski, but he was not apprehended. Instead, an arrest warrant and a European Arrest Warrant were issued. Adam Bodnar, the Polish Minister of Justice and Attorney General, criticized Hungary for obstructive behavior in executing the European Arrest Warrant, pledging to utilize all available legal and political avenues at the EU level to secure Romanowski's transfer.
In addition to the legal complexities, the situation raises questions about the implications of political asylum in this case. According to reports, the statute of Interpol prohibits the inclusion of individuals who are politically persecuted in its databases. Romanowski has publicly stated that he is being pursued for political reasons and cannot expect a fair trial in Poland.
General Adam Rapacki, a former Deputy Minister of the Interior, noted the unusual nature of Hungary granting asylum to a Polish citizen, calling it a phenomenon. He remarked, "If there is no red notice, then Mr. Romanowski will not be prosecuted all over the world," emphasizing the significance of Interpol's decision.
A red notice would have significantly increased the chances of Romanowski's arrest, serving as a notification to law enforcement agencies in 195 countries that he should be detained for extradition proceedings. Such notices often lead to apprehensions during routine checks at airports or train stations.
As the situation unfolds, the Polish authorities remain determined to pursue all legal options to bring Romanowski back to face justice. The implications of this case extend beyond individual accountability, touching on broader issues of political power, legal jurisdiction, and international cooperation.
In summary, the refusal of Interpol to issue a red notice for Marcin Romanowski represents a notable development in an already complex legal and political saga. As he remains in Hungary under political asylum, the Polish government is left to navigate a challenging landscape as they seek to address the serious allegations against him.
