As reported by the Wrocław prosecutor’s office, “The 1st Investigative Department of the District Prosecutor’s Office in Wrocław is conducting an investigation into the abuse of power by Bartłomiej C. – former Deputy Minister of Justice – in order to gain financial benefits, thereby acting to the detriment of the public interest, i.e. an act under Art. 231 § 2 of the Penal Code and others.”
This is about the case of Deputy Minister of the Left Bartłomiej Ciążyński, who allegedly paid for fuel with his official card while on vacation in Slovenia. After the publication of an article by Wirtualna Polska describing the incident, Ciążyński resigned. However, this was not the end of his troubles, as the prosecutor’s office decided to take up the case.
Deputy Minister Ciążyński resigns. Prosecutor’s Office launches investigation
– In the proceedings, evidence is being collected to clarify the circumstances related to the use of a company car and financial resources for private purposes – we read in a statement by the Wrocław prosecutor’s office.
According to the provisions of Article 231 paragraph 2 of the Penal Code, indicated in the content of the prosecutor’s office’s announcement, “A public official who, exceeding his powers or failing to fulfill his duties, acts to the detriment of public or private interest, shall be subject to the penalty of imprisonment for up to 3 years”. Importantly, however, the next paragraph of this provision indicates that “If the perpetrator commits the act specified in § 1 in order to gain a material or personal benefit, he shall be subject to the penalty of imprisonment for a period of one to 10 years”.
