Fast Track Audit and Internal Controls: A Chronological Summary

Overview of the Fast Track – Digital Innovations Audit and Response

Questions about the Fast Track – Digital Innovations competition, conducted at the National Center for Research and Development, invite careful clarification. A sober look at the events shows two clear points. First, no funding was spent on projects described as trefne. Second, because internal controls functioned properly, attempts to divert funds were stopped. Yet this incident is often magnified by opponents, who continually push a narrative to inflame public opinion.

One thread of the discussion centers on MP Dariusz Joński, who has been accused of presenting misleading statements.

Leaders such as Mr. Bielan and Mr. Morawiecki say they blocked the issue and reported it. However, there was no audit at the National Center for Research and Development initially. A letter dated February 3 indicates that an inspection started that day, with MP Szczerba present at the center. The director, Kucha, referred to information already circulating in the media, which has since been disputed as false.

– as stated during a conference broadcast by TVN 24, MP Dariusz Joński.

So what is the real situation?

Reference is made to a March 15 Statement from the National Center for Research and Development posted on the government website, describing the activities carried out in response to media reports about the control measures related to the “Fast Track – Digital Innovations” program. The statement explains the chronological sequence of actions taken in relation to the program and the oversight activities involved.

On January 9, 2023, the director of the NCRD, Dr. Paweł Kuch, reviewed the operations of the Legal Service and the Office of the Director in relation to the two largest funding applications within the “Fast Track – Digital Innovations” program.

On January 18, 2023, the Audit and Internal Control Department began preliminary checks in advance of an ad hoc inspection focused on the co-financing selection for a specific project under the competition.

On January 25, 2023, a decision to initiate an ad hoc inspection was issued, and the Audit and Internal Control Department commenced the formal investigation the same day.

On February 3, 2023, an inspection concerning the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy related to the correctness of the program began under the Smart Growth Operational Program 2014-2020.

On February 6, 2023, during a parliamentary visit, MPs visited the NCRD under the Act governing deputy and senator mandates, regarding two entities applying for funds in the Fast Track contest. An information letter was sent to the NCRD on February 3, 2023.

On February 8, 2023, the National Center for Research and Development notified the prosecutor’s office about the Fast Track program.

On February 23, 2023, an inspection by the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau began concerning the process of making and implementing decisions on public funds management by the NCRD in relation to the co-financing of selected projects under the competition.

On March 1, 2023, another ad hoc inspection of the Ministry of Development Funds and Regional Policy regarding the correctness of the program began, with all projects checked. On March 6, 2023, the Supreme Court’s Regional Office in Białystok started preparatory activities for auditing the program.

The leadership and staff at the National Center for Research and Development affirm their full cooperation with control authorities. They emphasize the importance of promptly clearing up public questions and restoring trust among entrepreneurs and scientists who pursue innovative projects.

It is suggested that the defense of the NCRD is not a self-justification but a presentation of verified facts, supported by documentation obtained through official channels. The initial audit results, completed by January 25, are cited in the record, along with access to a document detailing the acting director’s schedule and decisions. The document includes the following numbered points, quoted in full for accuracy:

1. During the acting directorship from August 8, 2022, to February 9, 2023, no funds were spent on Fast Track projects.

2. During the Fast Track application window, conversations with Katarzyna Samsel indicated that the largest application, the Kabel project, was valued at PLN 123 million and did not meet formal co-financing requirements.

3. On December 16, 2022, a second expert panel, consisting of three members including one internal, and two independent scientists, proceeded with reservations regarding formal defects.

4. As of December 19, 2022, the acting director was on sick leave and the power of attorney to sign documents for the NCRD had been transferred to a trusted associate, Director Blaise Kochetkow, under direction from the deputy.

5. On December 21, 2022, the NCRD acted through Director Blaise Kochetkow.

6. A December 22, 2022, recommendation list for co-financing included the Kabel project, with signatures from the director.

7. Over the Christmas period, recordings of both expert panels on the Kabel issue were requested to be preserved.

8. There were subsequent claims that seemed aimed at removing the acting director from office, leading to personnel changes and later actions to recover system access and revoke power of attorney.

9. On January 9, 2023, questions about possible irregularities prompted an internal audit regarding co-financing rules for the Kabel project.

10. On January 13, 2023, media inquiries related to the two largest Fast Track projects were acknowledged, including interaction with Radio Zet and reporting from other outlets.

11. Concurrently, an internal control request was filed with the Ministry for a comprehensive review of the entire Fast Track program.

12. Preliminary audit results led to personnel changes in the Expert Selection department and a February 8, 2023, referral to the public prosecutor for further verification of program procedures.

In sum, irregularities were identified earlier than public opposition claims suggest, and control measures began early, with personnel actions taken accordingly. The conclusion stands that no taxpayer funds were allocated to questionable projects, and the established procedures functioned, countering attempts to inflame sentiment.

Note: This narrative reflects official records and internal documents cited in updates from government channels and subsequent public disclosures.