Prosecutor's Office: Investigation into corruption at consulates in Lviv and Lutsk was prematurely terminated. It has been reopened today.

19/09/2023

16:46

Michał Lubowicki

- I would like to share the results of an analysis conducted at the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw, concerning an unjustly discontinued investigation from 2008-2009 into corrupt practices at the consulates in Lviv and Lutsk. [...] To illustrate the nature of the practices involved, I will quote the testimony of an officer from the Government Protection Bureau: "Regarding the consul, it was evident how his standard of living significantly improved in a short period. He arrived at the post with an old, dilapidated car, speaking of a mortgage, but after just 3-4 months, he purchased a new Mitsubishi and a new Opel for his wife, with no mention of any loans. After six months, he wanted to sell the Mitsubishi and exchange it for a Lexus RX300." - stated Prosecutor Wojciech Smoleń at a press conference. - The investigation was initiated in November 2009 and, after a year and a half of proceedings, was concluded in May 2011. Importantly, as early as 2011, the investigation files were examined by the then Prosecutor General's Office, and numerous irregularities were already pointed out, including a very clear indication that the corruption aspect had not been properly addressed. [...] Individuals interrogated in the case unequivocally indicated that such blatant practices should not have occurred in Polish diplomatic missions. [...] The investigation has been reopened today; we now have a concrete action plan and identified individuals for interrogation - he continued. - I would like to quote the testimony of a BOR officer regarding the description of gift and bribe-giving: "Mr. L. very frequently brought and submitted a large number of visa applications. I observed Mr. L. entering meetings with the consul carrying a large, bulging bag, and leaving with an empty one. When I checked the bags, I saw they contained cognacs and other alcohol, as well as chocolates." [...] It wasn't just the consuls who benefited from these practices; in further testimony, I will quote: "Once I saw a Ukrainian citizen slip him some money into his pocket. We surmised that there were many such situations where he was taking bribes for expediting visa stickers and visas." - he continued. - This investigation was concluded prematurely. [...] From my perspective, I can say that as of today, we have a ready action plan and I believe that in the coming days, we will proceed very aggressively to resolve this matter - he added.

Michał Lubowicki

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