The National Prosecutor's Office reported fresh steps in the investigation into irregularities in the Government strategical Reserve Agency (RARS). Investigators charged erstwhile RARS president Michael K. and Pavel Sz. Both men are accused of taking part in an organised criminal group, of exceeding their powers and of failing to fulfil their duties in order to get a wealth benefit.
Investigators have asked the court to apply a temporary arrest to Michael K., allowing a BOLO to be issued. According to the National Prosecutor's Office, the Katowice-East territory Court granted the prosecution's request. Thanks to the decision of the court, it is now possible to begin searching for Michał K. on a large scale.
Unknown whereabouts of defendants
In the case of Paul Sz., the court found that a temporary arrest was not necessary, which was met with criticism from the prosecutor's office. Paweł Sz. besides applied for an iron letter, which means that he would like to voluntarily appear before law enforcement without hazard of temporary arrest. The Prosecutor's Office announced an appeal against that decision, seeking to amend the order of the court in this matter.
The investigation of irregularities in the RARS was initiated on 1 December 2023 in the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw. The investigation conducted by the National Prosecutor's Office in Katowice focuses on purchases of goods for the Agency, carried out between 23 February 2021 and 27 November 2023.
Charges against Agency staff
Irregularities in the Government strategical Reserve Agency have been investigated for respective months. In July 2024, 2 another persons associated with the Agency were charged. She was the manager and manager of the RARS buying Office. According to the National Prosecutor's Office, "the suspected prosecutor has submitted allegations of overcapacity in connection with the performance of public functions, which were to trust on the preferential treatment of certain RARS counterparties in connection with the implementation of an EU grant of EUR 114 million for the supply of power generators for Ukraine". The charges relate to infringements of Article 231(2) of the Criminal Code, for which a conviction of up to 10 years is punishable.
RARS and function in the fight against pandemic
The Government strategical Reserve Agency, which was created at the turn of 2020 and 2021, replaced the Material Reserve Agency, which has been in operation since 1996. Both agencies played an crucial function in combating the Covid-19 pandemic in Poland, providing the essential medical resources, protective equipment and another resources to fight the virus. RARS gained a crucial position on the map of state institutions, which made it a key action in the area of strategical reserve management of the country.
However, the investigation of irregularities in the RARS casts a shadow on the Agency's activities. The allegations may affect the public's perception of the institution and the supervisory authorities' assessment of its action.
The National Prosecutor's Office and another investigative services proceed their efforts to full clarify the case, as well as to hold those who committed crimes accountable. The issuing of the BOLOs and the anticipation of further extension of the charges indicate an intensification of law enforcement activities in this case.
Summary
The issue related to irregularities in the Government strategical Reserve Agency is of large interest in both the media and the public. The prosecution of erstwhile president of the Agency Michał K. and Pawł Sz., as well as erstwhile allegations against another RARS staff, shows that the investigation is increasing. The National Prosecutor's Office and the courts will gotta take key decisions on further steps in this case which may have a crucial impact on the functioning of the Agency and on the work of the persons active in the irregularities.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
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The court issued an APB for the erstwhile head of the Government strategical Reserve Agency
