Officers of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) have detained Paweł M., a former deputy secretary of state at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister, in connection with an investigation into irregularities at the Government Strategic Reserves Agency (RARS). The case is being supervised by the Silesian Branch of the Department for Organised Crime and Corruption of the National Prosecutor’s Office in Katowice.
Detention of a former high-ranking government official
The arrest took place on 23 October 2025. Paweł M. previously held senior public positions, including secretary of state at the Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA) and deputy secretary of state at the Chancellery of the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Digital Affairs. Prosecutors have charged him with influence peddling at the Prime Minister’s Office and other state institutions managing public funds, as well as with offering to mediate in public procurement processes for the benefit of a specific entrepreneur.
Irregularities at RARS under investigation
The investigation, conducted by the CBA’s regional office in Rzeszów, concerns the alleged abuse of power and failure to fulfil official duties by representatives of the Government Strategic Reserves Agency. According to the findings, there may have been misuse of strategic reserve regulations, preferential treatment of selected companies, and approval of inflated prices in public procurement contracts.
Financial benefits in exchange for influence
Evidence indicates that the suspect offered to secure public procurement contracts in exchange for the employment of his wife and the personal use of a premium-class vehicle, with the leasing and operating costs covered by the same entrepreneur also under investigation. The total value of the financial benefit obtained is estimated at no less than PLN 60,000.
Charges and preventive measures
The prosecutor has charged Paweł M. with paid influence peddling (Article 230 § 1 of the Penal Code) and accepting financial and personal benefits (Article 228 § 1 of the Penal Code). Preventive measures have been imposed, including a PLN 100,000 bail, police supervision, a ban on leaving the country with passport confiscation, and a prohibition on contacting specific individuals.
The actions are part of a broader investigation initiated following a notification by the head of the CBA. To date, 16 individuals have been charged, including former RARS president Michał K. and three agency officials. The prosecutor’s office has announced that further steps and additional arrests are possible.
