Thirteen Arrested for Fraud and Extortion at Polish Banks

Mass Arrests Uncover Embezzlement Scheme

Thirteen individuals connected to fraud and extortion at two Polish banks have been arrested by officers from the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA). The suspects, including former officials of the Bank Spółdzielczy in Nadarzyn, are accused of embezzling PLN 100 million (approximately EUR 25 million) from the SK Bank in Wołomin and the Bank Spółdzielczy.

Scheme Uncovered

The investigation, led by the Regional Prosecutor’s Office in Warsaw and the Regional Office of the CBA in Katowice, uncovered a scheme where valuers of properties used as collateral for loans significantly overstated their value. For example, one property was overvalued by PLN 375 million (approximately EUR 93 million).

Charges Brought

More than 100 charges have been brought against the detained individuals, with six being remanded in custody. The investigation is ongoing and has also uncovered evidence of gross mismanagement and criminal offenses related to account keeping at both banks.

Larger Probe Underway

The case is part of a larger probe into the management board’s activities at the SK Bank in Wołomin, which is estimated to have resulted in losses of PLN 2.6 billion (approximately EUR 650 million). The investigation has also uncovered evidence of breach of trust and acting to the detriment of the Cooperative Bank in Nadarzyn.

Arrests Conducted

The CBA’s officers carried out the detentions in Warsaw and several voivodships, including:

• Mazowieckie
• Świętokrzyskie
• Warmińsko-Mazurskie
• Dolnośląskie
• Śląskie

The suspects include:

• Beneficiaries of loans
• Asset valuers
• Former officials of the Bank Spółdzielczy in Nadarzyn

Investigation Ongoing

The investigation is ongoing, with no further details released at this time.