ABW Detains Suspects in Foreign Intelligence Probe

2 July 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

ABW arrests foreign spy suspects in Warsaw on June 25; Belarusian and Polish nationals detained amid a probe by the National Prosecutor’s Office.

ABW arrests foreign spy suspects after operations in Warsaw on June 25. The agency detained a Belarusian national and a Polish citizen at separate locations in the city. The arrests follow an investigation into paid tasks for a foreign intelligence service.

Table of Contents

What happened in Warsaw

On June 25 ABW agents arrested two men in Warsaw. The agency detained a citizen of Belarus and a Polish man. Investigators say they performed paid assignments for an intelligence service abroad. Moreover prosecutors allege they photographed and recorded events held by the Belarusian minority in Warsaw. Consequently the suspects transmitted those materials to handlers overseas. The Belarusian suspect faced the Lublin-Zachód district court. Therefore the court ordered three months of pre-trial detention. However the Polish suspect received a travel ban instead. Police seized his passport to enforce the restriction.

ABW arrests foreign spy suspects: who leads the probe

The case sits under the Lublin branch of the National Prosecutor’s Office. It belongs to the Department for Organized Crime and Corruption. Prosecutors previously arrested five people in November. Then those suspects came from Ukraine and Belarus. Consequently authorities say the investigation remains active and developmental. Moreover prosecutors warn the inquiry may expand as they gather more evidence. The probe targets those aiding foreign intelligence inside Poland.

Why this matters to expats

ABW enforces internal security and counters espionage. The agency can detain suspects and seek pre-trial arrest. In Poland courts may use temporary detention (tymczasowe aresztowanie) or impose travel bans. Therefore you should understand these measures if officials contact you. For expats do not accept paid work from unknown contacts. Moreover avoid filming people at politically sensitive community events without clear permission. However casual photography in public spaces usually remains lawful. In addition keep your identification up to date. Carry your passport or residence card and your local ID if you have one. Note Polish systems like PESEL (national ID number), ZUS (pension agency) and NFZ (public health insurer) affect everyday life here.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If authorities question you, remain calm and ask for legal counsel. Contact your embassy if you are a foreign national. Avoid taking money for tasks that involve surveillance or reporting on community events. Check visas and residence documents if officials restrict travel. Keep digital copies of your passport and residence permit in a secure location.

Source: Read original article

📚 Looking for more help settling in Poland? Browse our complete Expat Guides.