The Central Anti-Corruption Bureau has arrested three influential figures from the Polish political and financial scene. Among those arrested were the current Polish ambassador to France, Jan R., former Law and Justice MP Maks K., and well-known banker Paweł P. The case concerns a wide-ranging investigation into the so-called Collegium Humanum scandal, according to the Goniec.pl portal. Action taken by the authorities and behind-the-scenes investigation
The arrests began at the start of the week. Maks K. and Paweł P. were arrested at their homes on Monday and Tuesday, respectively, and then transported to Katowice. There, they spent many hours giving statements and participating in confrontations with other suspects.
At the same time, action was taken against Jan R., the current Polish ambassador to France. Upon his return to Poland, he was arrested by CBA officers and also transported to Katowice. The interrogations involving him ended on Christmas Eve morning.
The Collegium Humanum scandal – the investigation concerns the illegal practice of obtaining MBA degrees at the private Collegium Humanum university, headed by Paweł C. These documents were to be used as a formal pass to sit on the supervisory boards of state-owned companies. Obtaining such a diploma opened the way to prestigious and well-paid positions, which, according to investigators, was the goal of many people in political and financial circles.
Maks K. is a long-time Law and Justice MP and former vice-president of PKO BP. According to investigators, he helped not only himself but also others, including his sister and Ambassador Jan R., to obtain MBA degrees. In conversations with Paweł C., , he referred to his contacts in the Ministry of Science and his relationship with Piotr Müller, assuring him that he would help speed up the formalities related to the opening of Paweł C.’s university. What is more, Maks K. suggested that the matter could be expedited if Paweł C. bought a Swiss watch worth several thousand dollars from him. Maks K. does not admit guilt. Jan R. is a banker and diplomat, former vice-president and then president of PKO BP, who has been serving as Poland’s ambassador to France since 2022.
According to Goniec.pl, the arrests were the result of a lengthy investigation conducted by the prosecutor’s office and the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA). Officers operated in several locations, and the interrogations and confrontations lasted many hours. Investigators do not rule out further arrests.