The Military Department of the District Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw is overseeing an investigation involving two former senior officials of the Ministry of National Defense (MON): Agnieszka G., former Director of the MON Operational Center, and Jolanta L., former Director of the MON Administrative Department. Both women are suspected of exceeding their powers in November 2023 when handling the Ministry’s budget funds, related to purchasing a Longines La Grande Classique watch worth 5,100 PLN.
According to the investigators’ findings, the watch was formally intended as a gift for a foreign delegation visiting the MON. In reality, however, the watch was purchased and transferred to Agnieszka G., an act that investigators consider as an attempt to gain financial benefits. The prosecution qualifies this act as a crime under article 231 § 2 of the penal code, for which the penalty can be up to 10 years imprisonment.
Investigation Progress:
The investigation was launched on April 17, 2024, after receiving materials from the Military Counterintelligence Service. At the time of the alleged violation, Agnieszka G. served as the Social Advisor to the Minister of National Defense, Mariusz Błaszczak. Meanwhile, Jolanta L. was responsible for the MON’s administrative purchases. Gathered evidence suggests that the watch, despite formal promotional procedures, was ordered based on Agnieszka G.’s suggestion, who in an email to Jolanta L., sent a link to the selected model, writing: “I chose this one for myself.”
During the proceedings, the prosecution secured the watch, which was found at Agnieszka G.’s residence. Numerous individuals involved with the purchase and issuing of the watch, including MON officers and employees responsible for the protocol of foreign visits, organization of visits, and the promotion of the ministry, were also questioned. In addition, full documentation regarding this transaction and the electronic correspondence of both suspects were secured.
Suspects’ Stance:
Both suspects were questioned by the prosecution. Agnieszka G. refused to provide explanations and did not admit to the alleged act. Jolanta L. also denied her involvement in the case but provided explanations defending herself against the allegations.
Final Stage of Investigation:
The proceedings are currently in the final stage, and investigators are analyzing the collected evidence before directing the case to court. The charges against Agnieszka G. and Jolanta L. are serious – misuse of power and causing damage to public funds carry a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment.
The prosecution does not rule out that the case may have broader consequences, related to purchasing procedures at the MON and the responsibility of individual officials for public finances.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/afera-zegarkowa-w-mon-byle-urzedniczki-pod-lupa-sledczych-44063
