Janusz Palikot, a former politician and entrepreneur in the alcohol industry, was detained by the Central Anticorruption Bureau. The investigation concerns suspected fraud of significant value, and Palikot and his associates are to be charged with financial crimes. Up to 5,000 people may be injured. people.
Detentions in Lublin and Biłgoraj
On Thursday morning, the spokesman for the Minister Coordinator of Special Services, Jacek Dobrzyński, announced the arrest by CBA Janusz P., i.e. Janusz Palikot, and his two associates – Przemysław B. and Zbigniew B. The arrests were made in Lublin and Biłgoraj. The investigation, conducted in cooperation with the National Prosecutor’s Office in Wrocław, concerns suspicions of… fraud of significant valuewhich is covered by Articles 286 and 294 of the Penal Code.
Allegations of fraud amounting to PLN 70 million
According to the information provided by the National Prosecutor’s Office, the case concerns the unfavorable disposal of property in the amount of nearly PLN 70 million. Several thousand people are said to be injured, which makes this case extremely serious. Janusz P. and his associates are to be charged with fraud and acting to the detriment of third parties.
The investigation concerns Palikot’s business activities, which he has been running for years Vodka, Beer and Wine Manufacture. As the media reminds, the company has been struggling with serious financial problems for many months, and last year its debt amounted to over PLN 175 million. Palikot announced then that he would fight to save his company, including by mortgaging his own house, but the company’s situation did not improve.
Palikot’s financial problems
Janusz Palikot has been struggling with his company’s serious debt for a long time. Last year, he publicly announced that he was not giving up and intended to repay his debts to creditors, but Manufaktura’s debts continued to grow. Then Palikot himself admitted that he had risked all his fortune to continue his business, selling real estate and movable property, including the famous Rolls-Royce.
Despite these actions, the company’s debt amounted to over PLN 175 million, and it is probably even higher now. Palikot admitted that he is the largest creditor of his own company by investing in it PLN 26 million. He also expressed fears that he may never get the money back and that his personal financial situation is also deteriorating.
Further legal steps
Janusz Palikot and his colleagues were taken to the local department of the National Prosecutor’s Office in Wrocław, where they are to be charged. According to the prosecutor’s office, procedural activities are ongoing and details of the investigation will be announced after the formalities are completed. The allegations, if confirmed, could result in serious legal consequences, including prison terms.
Palikot, former MP and leader of the Palikot Movement, currently operates primarily as an entrepreneur. His activities in the alcohol industry were well known, but the company’s financial problems had long raised doubts, which were now reflected in the actions of law enforcement agencies.
Vodka, Beer and Wine Manufaktura on the edge
The financial problems of Manufaktura Wódki, Piwa i Wina were publicly discussed by Palikot himself, who tried to save the company, ininvesting their own funds in it. However, the following months did not bring any improvement and the debt was constantly increasing. Despite restructuring plans and attempts to repay creditors, the company’s situation deteriorated, which ultimately led to the intervention of law enforcement agencies.