CENTRAL ANTI-CORRUPTION BUREAU Suspicion of paid influence peddling – EPPO expands the investigation - News

Officers of the Regional Office of the CBA in Katowice are investigating the act of directly exposing a company responsible for tram infrastructure in the Upper Silesian–Zagłębie Metropolis to a risk of financial damage amounting to approximately EUR 1 million. The proceedings concern suspicions of active and passive corruption, abuse of power, unlawful influence on the outcome of a public procurement procedure, and actions detrimental to the public interest.

The operations of the company responsible for the modernization of tram infrastructure in Silesia were co-financed by the EU in the amount of PLN 1.9 billion (EUR 448.3 million) in the years 2007–2027.

Findings of the investigation indicate that a corrupt arrangement operated within the company. As part of personal and corporate links, confidential information was passed to a favoured construction engineering firm. This was intended to secure the awarding of the contract to that company.

CBA operational activities

On 17 December 2025, officers of the Regional Office of the CBA in Katowice, acting on an EPPO request, detained four individuals suspected of involvement in corruption and bid-rigging. At that time, officers secured nearly EUR 38,000 in cash and a gold bar. During a subsequent search, they also secured PLN 1 million in cash. One of the suspects remains in pre-trial detention pursuant to a court decision.

At the end of April 2026, officers of the Regional Office of the CBA in Katowice, on an EPPO request, detained six additional individuals suspected of involvement in corruption and bid-rigging. The CBA also carried out searches at several locations in the Silesian and Lesser Poland voivodeships. Storage devices and extensive documentation were secured.

Nearly PLN 2.7 million in bribes

The collected evidence shows that the detained man, acting in collusion with another perpetrator, repeatedly accepted bribes.

Investigators estimate that the total value of unlawful benefits received by persons involved in the corruption scheme amounts to nearly PLN 2.7 million (EUR 637,000).

The investigation indicates that financial benefits were also paid in exchange for approving inflated costs or settling fictitious works. The criminal scheme was interrupted by the EPPO investigation, and the procurement for the infrastructure modernization was ultimately cancelled.

Request to lift parliamentary immunity

The findings also show that in several instances financial benefits were transferred to a Member of Parliament. Due to suspicion of paid influence peddling, the European Chief Prosecutor has today requested the lifting of the politician’s immunity. This authority is provided for under Article 29 of the Regulation establishing the European Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Lifting the immunity will allow for clarification of all circumstances of the case and the scope of responsibility of the individuals involved.

The EPPO is an independent body of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and bringing to court cases concerning crimes affecting the financial interests of the EU.

CBA Press Team