Polish investigation into Zondacrypto: illegal financing of opposition politicians
The prosecutor's office is investigating financial ties between cryptocurrency exchange Zondacrypto and the right-wing opposition. Those named include Zbigniew Ziobro and the Polish edition of the CPAC conference.
Prosecutor's office: Zondacrypto financed right-wing opposition politicians and organisations
Polish law enforcement agencies are conducting an investigation into possible crimes related to financing by cryptocurrency exchange Zondacrypto of organisations and individuals connected with the right-wing opposition — according to Notes From Poland.
Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek, who also serves as justice minister, announced a "breakthrough in the investigation" last week. Among the entities subject to verification were foundations of Zbigniew Ziobro — deputy chairman of Law and Justice (PiS) and former justice minister — and Przemysław Wpler, a former PiS politician currently associated with Confederation. The list also included the conservative television station Republika and its chairman Tomasz Sakiewicz, the Polish edition of the CPAC conference, and Radosław Piesiewicz, head of the Polish Olympic Committee.
Losses reach at least 350 million zlotys
Zondacrypto came under scrutiny by law enforcement in April, when customers began reporting inability to access their funds. By the end of July, the prosecutor's office had received several thousand reports of suspected crime. Estimated losses amount to at least 350 million zlotys (81.4 million euros).
Żurek reported that in the course of proceedings, extensive evidentiary material had been secured, numerous witnesses had been questioned, and actions had been carried out with the participation of suspects, who have already been charged. However, the prosecutor's office did not disclose their identities or the content of the charges.
The prosecutor general indicated that the investigation now encompasses verification of information about possible crimes related to financing by Zondacrypto of specific individuals and entities from the right-wing opposition circle. CPAC and the Polish Olympic Committee were previously sponsored by the exchange, whilst Republika sold the company extensive advertising space.
Romanowski and Ziobro — both in flight
The investigation also concerns possible financing by Zondacrypto of activities of individuals assisting Marcin Romanowski, a former deputy justice minister from PiS, who is hiding from Polish justice. Both Romanowski and Ziobro are currently subject to criminal charges in a separate case and are staying abroad.
Hungary initially granted them asylum. In May, Ziobro fled to the United States. Romanowski's place of residence has not been confirmed — according to available information, he is staying in Transnistria, a pro-Russian separatist region of Moldova.
Former exchange head cooperates with prosecutor's office
In parallel, Roman Giertych, lawyer for Przemysław Kral — former chairman of Zondacrypto when the exchange collapsed — confirmed in an interview with TVP that his client is cooperating with the justice system. Giertych emphasised that Kral is acting from motives of mitigating a potential sentence.
Giertych is simultaneously a member of parliament for Civic Coalition (KO), the centre-right party of Prime Minister Donald Tusk, of which he was previously a lawyer. The lawyer reported that he has been representing Kral pro bono since May. Previously, Kral was represented by Bartosz Lewandowski — a lawyer who also handles Ziobro and Romanowski.
"I committed to my voters that I would hold PiS accountable," Giertych told TVP. "Getting people from that side is the most effective way of settling accounts."
Ziobro: the company appeared to be legal
In response to the announced findings, Ziobro gave an interview to the portal Niezależna — run by Sakiewicz — and admitted that his foundation received 450 thousand zlotys from Kral's law firm.
"Zondacrypto cooperated with major media outlets, sports clubs, social organisations and other reputable entities… All of this created the image of a large, legally operating enterprise," Ziobro stated, adding that he refused to accept further funds when public doubts about the company emerged.
Ziobro accused the current authorities of excessive leniency towards Kral, who — according to the former minister — "has become politically useful". He described the entire proceeding as "desperation of a regime fighting for its own impunity".
Source: Notes From Poland