European Public Prosecutor's Office expands investigation into Katowice tram procurement
Two more suspects have been detained in Poland as part of an investigation into irregularities in the modernisation of the Silesian tram network. Prosecutors suspect corruption in contracts worth hundreds of millions of euros.
European Public Prosecutor's Office expands investigation into Katowice tram procurement
An extensive criminal proceeding is underway in southern Poland concerning alleged irregularities in public contracts for the development of rail transport. The European Public Prosecutor's Office (EPPO), headed by Laura Codruța Kovesi, announced the detention of two further individuals, according to Mediafax.
Officers from the Katowice branch of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau detained the new suspects at the request of the EPPO prosecution. The investigation concerns alleged irregularities in procurement for tram infrastructure financed with European Union funds.
These individuals held senior positions in state administration. They have been charged with corruption offences. The court ordered police supervision against them, and in the case of one of them also suspension from the performance of official duties.
The investigation focuses on contracts related to the tram network in the Upper Silesian agglomeration. The entire investment is supported by Brussels with a sum of 1.9 billion PLN (approximately 448 million EUR) for the years 2007–2027.
Previously, in December of last year, the CBA detained four individuals, including one of the senior administrators. According to the investigators, this official allegedly passed confidential data to a selected company, which was meant to secure its victory in the tender. The contract value exceeded one million euros (5 million PLN). The project is being carried out within the framework of the European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate and Environment 2021–2027 programme.
During inspections conducted by Katowice CBA officers, nearly 38,000 euros in cash and a gold bar were secured. One of the previously detained individuals is being held in custody.
In May of this year, the head of the EPPO also requested the lifting of immunity for one of the deputies to the national parliament, suspected of involvement in corruption.
Material prepared on the basis of information from G4Media.ro.
Source: G4Media