The prosecutor's office conducting proceedings regarding irregularities in the Justice Fund decided to cover the assets of MP Zbigniew Ziobro with security, PAP found out.
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Securing the assets of Zbigniew Ziobro. The prosecutor's office provided details
It's both about entries of compulsory mortgage on real estate belonging to the former Minister of Justice, as well as seizure of funds accumulated in his bank account. The investigators made the decision in this case on November 12, concluding that it is necessary to prevent possible attempts to transfer or hide assets that could be used to enforce future court decisions.
The spokesman for the National Prosecutor's Office, Przemysław Nowak, explains that such actions are intended to protect the public interest. The security is intended to guarantee that any fines, forfeitures or costs of redressing the damage can be effectively recovered. He also pointed out that the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure provide for the possibility of applying similar measures in a situation where there is a risk of hindering the execution of a future judgment.
Read also: Zbigniew Ziobro will have a nervous Christmas. A detention hearing just before Christmas Eve
Charges against Zbigniew Ziobro. Over PLN 100 million in damage
The prosecutor's office emphasizes that in the case of Zbigniew Ziobro, both conditions provided for in the act are met. Firstly, the suspect is to be charged with offenses subject to financial sanctions. Secondly – as the PK spokesman emphasized – the investigation estimated that the damage resulting from the suspects' actions amounted to at least PLN 143 million. In the opinion of the investigators, there is a real risk that without prior security, the execution of the sentence could be impossible or very difficult.
Zbigniew Ziobro is suspected of leading a criminal group
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According to prosecutorsy this fear results from the significant amount of damage, which – according to investigators – is disproportionate to Ziobro's financial capabilities. At the same time, the spokesman reminded that the decision to secure the security may be subject to a complaint to the court, which the suspect may make.
Request for arrest and 26 charges against a former minister in the PiS government
Activities regarding the former minister's assets are just one of the elements of the intensive proceedings. Last week, the National Prosecutor's Office she submitted a request to the court for a three-month arrest for Ziobro. A hearing on this matter was scheduled for December 22. The prosecutor's office argues that there is a risk of the suspect escaping, there is a possibility of obstructing the proceedings, and there is a real prospect of a severe punishment being imposed on him.
The investigative team found evidence that, according to prosecutors, allows 26 charges to be brought against the former head of the Ministry of Justice. They concern, among others: managing an organized criminal group, controlling the allocation of subsidies from the Justice Fund and appropriating public funds. On November 7, the Sejm lifted Ziobro's immunity and consented to his detention and arrest.
Meanwhile, Ziobro himself is in Hungary. In interviews, he assured that he intended to defend himself and present his version of events, although he did not specify whether he planned to apply for asylum or when he would return to the country. In his opinion, the request for arrest is politically motivated and is “revenge”, but the prosecutor's office maintains that it acts only within the limits of the law and based on the collected evidence.
