Organised criminal group dismantled. Among detainees – a private detective
Officers of the Regional Office of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau in Poznań and Krakow detained 2 persons in connection with operating organised criminal group. The investigation is supervised by Branch of the Department for Organized Crime and Corruption of the National Prosecutor's Office in Wrocław.
An organized group of tax and excise criminals
Officers of the Regional Office of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau in Poznań, under the supervision of the Branch of the Department for Organized Crime and Corruption of the National Prosecutor's Office in Wrocław conduct an investigation regarding acting of an organised criminal group, committing tax and excise crimes detrimental to the economic interests of the state, as well as crimes taking the form of corrupt behavior or invoking influence, directed against the activities of law enforcement agencies, tax administration authorities, the justice system, as well as against the credibility of documents.
The criminal group operated between 2017 and 2021 in Wrocław and other cities.
Two persons detained, among them a private detective
On December 5-6, 2023, officers of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau detained two people. First of them is Paweł K., a privite detective working for one of the tobacco companies who, as part of a criminal group, using his contacts and knowledge resulting from previous employment in law enforcement agencies, helped to organize points of illegal production of excise goods, provided IT protection, stored and acted as an intermediary in the trade of such products, informed the group members about planned actions of law enforcement agencies and argued for protection against possible criminal liability, repeatedly referring to his influence in the Police and other law enforcement agencies and financial investigation bodies.
Moreover, the suspect obstructed preparatory proceedings against other members of the criminal group by disclosing information covered by the secret of the investigation. The second detainee was Edward C., responsible for the technical aspects of opening points for the illegal production of excise goods.
During the trial, officers of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau interviewed witnesses and conducted searches of places of residence and places of business in order to secure documentation and items that may be of evidentiary importance in the investigation. An important goal of the activities carried out was to determine the suspects' assets.
Accusations of paid patronage and support
Suspect Paweł K. heardcharges of participation in an organized criminal group, paid protection, supportership, aiding and abetting the commission of a prohibited act and excise fraud. In turn, the detained Edward C. was charged with participating in an organised criminal group.
Preventive measures
The Prosecutor imposed preventive measures against the detective in the form of property bail in the amount of PLN 100,000.00, police supervision, a ban on practicing the detective profession, a ban on leaving the country and a ban on contacting other suspects. However, with respect to the second detainee, Edward C., the Prosecutor applied preventive measures in the form of a ban on leaving the country, police supervision and a ban on contacting other suspects. Officers of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau temporarily seized cash property. At the next stage of the investigation, security measures are planned at the suspects' properties.
The case is ongoing
The case is ongoing. Further detentions are possible.
