Poland’s investigation into visa fraud uncovers evidence against senior members of the former government

WARSAW, Poland (AP) – A parliamentary panel investigating Poland’s visa scandal said Tuesday it will turn over evidence of alleged wrongdoing by a former prime minister and other senior members of his former government to prosecutors.

A special panel was set up to investigate allegations of irregularities in the visa department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially in the years 2018-2023, when it is said that Polish embassies in Asia and Africa took thousands of dollars to issue work visas, opening the door. for migrants to enter the European Union.

In one of the worst examples, a number of farmers from India were described in their visa documents as Bollywood film producers.

Marek Sowa, head of the special commission, on Tuesday presented the first report on the panel’s findings after interviewing witnesses and officials and reviewing documents.

Sowa said the commission will inform prosecutors of alleged violations of the law related to former prime minister Mateusz Morawiecki, former interior minister Mariusz Kaminski, former foreign minister Zbigniew Rau, and eight other senior officials. The team’s report includes allegations of negligence, corruption and abuse of office.

Sowa said Morawiecki’s Law and Justice government contributed to the uncontrolled influx of migrants into Poland and the EU. Poland has since tightened its visa regulations.

An investigation by Poland’s Supreme Audit Office earlier this year confirmed allegations that the country’s embassies in Asia and Africa were charging exorbitant fees to obtain work visas. The auditor’s office found a lack of transparency in the foreign ministry, and an environment prone to corruption and poor oversight.