2026-01-15 16:43
publication
2026-01-15 16:43
The Central Anticorruption Bureau detained the deputy mayor of Lublin and six other people in connection with an investigation into abuse of powers, the CBA reported on Thursday. The allegations include, among others: organization of the fan zone during Euro 2024.
The CBA informed that the arrest was made in connection with preparatory proceedings concerning the suspicion of committing the crime of exceeding authority and fixing tenders.
A total of seven people were charged in the case, including three officials from the Lublin City Hall and entrepreneurs from the event industry. Among those detained are: deputy mayor of Lublin Beata S.-K., director and head of one of the departments of the Lublin City Hall.
The charges cover the period from April 22 to July 12, 2024. The practice involved unlawfully influencing the decision of a person performing a public function in connection with the proceedings regarding the organization of the “Euro 2024 Fan Zone”.
The investigation showed that the detainees were to determine the procedure and value of the contract, as well as direct requests for proposals to previously indicated entities, which resulted in the selection of a predetermined contractor.
“The deputy mayor of the city was also supposed to receive a financial benefit in the form of VIP tickets,” the CBA announced.
As the investigation showed, entrepreneurs from the event industry participated in tender collusion also by imitating competition. The entrepreneurs were also alleged to have unlawfully exerted influence on local government officials and to provide or promise to provide financial benefits.
Proc. Katarzyna Calów-Jaszewska from the National Prosecutor's Office informed that by the prosecutor's decision, six suspects were subject to property bail and police supervision, combined with a ban on contacting other suspects. Two officials from Lublin, including the deputy mayor of the city, were suspended from their duties. One of the suspected entrepreneurs was banned from leaving Poland.
The proceedings are supervised by the Lublin branch of the National Prosecutor's Office. The officers seized electronic devices and extensive documentation in several locations.
The CBA and PK informed that the case was of an ongoing nature and further procedural activities were planned.
Justyna Góźdź, spokesman for the mayor of Lublin, announced that the services “carried out activities regarding proceedings carried out by the Sports Department.” She said that the office fully cooperates with the relevant authorities “providing all required documents and information”, and the implementation of current tasks in the department “is proceeding without disruptions”.
– We want a reliable and quick explanation of all the circumstances of the case – said Góźdź.
Beata S.-K. she was a city councilor in the years 2010-2018, in the last local elections she ran from the lists of the committee of the city president Krzysztof Żuk. She has been the deputy president for culture, sports and participation for seven years.
In connection with the detention, representatives of the city's cultural institutions announced that they support the president “with full confidence.”
A public official who abuses his powers in order to obtain financial or personal benefits may face up to 10 years in prison. (PAP)
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