Officers of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) have detained six individuals in the Małopolskie region on suspicion of abuse of power and misappropriation of public funds, including EU money. Acting on the order of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), authorities have suspended the mayor of Nowy Sącz and one of his deputies from their official duties. The investigation concerns a public procurement process conducted by the local government.
Scope of enforcement actions
Between 21 and 23 October 2025, the CBA’s regional office in Łódź detained six individuals. Among those apprehended were the mayor of Nowy Sącz, his deputy, as well as employees of the Centre for Fundraising and Entrepreneurship and the Sądecka Regional Development Agency. The investigation is being conducted under the supervision of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.
The proceedings were launched following a notification filed by the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). The CBA secured documentation and electronic equipment from municipal institutions involved in projects financed with public funds.
Charges and preventive measures
On 23 October, the mayor and his deputy were formally charged in connection with their official duties. Four other individuals detained earlier — including a senior official of the City Hall — have also been charged. The EPPO has not disclosed the nature of the charges, citing the interests of the ongoing investigation.
The prosecutor requested pre-trial detention for four suspects, but the Katowice-Wschód District Court rejected the motions. The prosecution has announced it will appeal the decision.
Immediate suspension of city authorities
On 28 October, the European Delegated Prosecutor ordered the immediate suspension of the mayor, one of his deputies, and the head of a municipal organisational unit. Preventive measures were also imposed on all involved — including a financial surety of 150,000 PLN (approx. EUR 34,000), a ban on entering the City Hall, and a prohibition on contacting certain individuals.
The investigation is ongoing and represents another step in the broader criminal proceedings. The EPPO has confirmed that further procedural actions are planned, and additional arrests are possible.
