Deputy Ministers Maciej Wąsik and Sebastian Kaleta discussed the detention of activist Ewa M. and provided detailed remarks on the case. They confirmed information about support from PO politicians among those involved.
Today the narrative centers on a case that many describe as the Civic Platform bootlegging scandal. On September 7, authorities from the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Border Guard arrested a 48-year-old woman, Ewa M. in Tarnowskie Góry, accusing her of leading a criminal network that smuggled people across the Polish-Belarusian border. Earlier, five more individuals were apprehended in connection with the case: two Indian nationals, two Pakistanis, and one Tajik. Four of these suspects remain in custody. The Public Prosecution charged these individuals and Ewa M., identified as the head of the group, with demanding 5,000 euros for each smuggled person. In longer routes extending further west or toward Britain, the demands rose to as much as 10,000 euros per person.
– stated Maciej Wąsik, Deputy Head of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration.
He noted that this is one of many issues that could be overlooked if not for the effectiveness of the security and law enforcement services in stopping smugglers and couriers. However, the arrest and court action were accompanied by a public figure guarantor when prosecutors sought the arrest. The guarantor for Ewa M. and two PO MPs, Tomasz Olichwer and Tomasz Anińsko, was named as part of the proceedings. One guarantor hails from Zabrze, the other from the Lubusz region. Several other well-known individuals are cited as guarantors, including Hanna Machińska, former deputy ombudsman; Tomasz Sztarbowski, deputy director of the Powszechny Theatre in Warsaw; and Joanna Mytkowska, director of the Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw. It was emphasized that Ewa M. headed the operation and that the smuggling activity persisted for at least 1.5 years, with the group engaging in other activities, such as collecting funds via refugee portals. This approach allegedly deceived people, presenting the activity as a charitable sacrifice.
– added the speaker.
“PO Smuggling Scandals”
Deputy Justice Minister Sebastian Kaleta then offered remarks.
The discussion framed the case as a significant Civic Platform smuggling scandal. For months, claims have circulated from prominent figures and intellectuals within PO regarding border policy, and critics have charged that some public voices called for open borders or lenient measures. The investigation now centers on an activist linked to these movements who is suspected by the court of organizing a criminal group involved in paid smuggling of illegal migrants. The activist is described as well known within opposition circles, making public information about her activities readily accessible. The question posed was what influence this individual might exert on public opinion and political sentiment ahead of upcoming referenda. In online discourse, a post that read “4xTAK” allegedly urged supporters to oppose border barriers and to back EU relocation mechanisms to Poland. Kaleta noted that PO politicians have publicly expressed agreement with this mechanism. The broader contention is that public reaction to the case has intensified scrutiny of the so-called green border, with some arguing that the term also implicates financial incentives rather than merely geographic identity. The activist reportedly supported related media narratives, including a film called The Green Border, and has been associated with other figures who have commented on or shaped the discussion around border policy. The Public Prosecution Service and court indicate a high probability of involvement in organized paid smuggling, according to Kaleta.
– stated Kaleta.
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Source: wPolityce