Fugitive businessman Paweł S. deported back to Poland

S., a businessman and creator of the "Red is Bad" brand, agreed to allow his full name to be disclosed. He was detained last Friday in the Dominican Republic on charges related to irregularities at the Governmental Agency for Strategic Reserves (RARS). On Wednesday, he was transported back to Poland after the Dominican authorities approved his deportation. A plane carrying S. landed at Chopin Airport in Warsaw shortly after 9 p.m.

Minister Bodnar confirmed S. return on X, stating, "Paweł S. is now in Poland and is available to Polish prosecutors. Legal proceedings with his involvement are scheduled for tomorrow." He extended his gratitude to the prosecutors from the National Prosecutor’s Office, the ministries of foreign and internal affairs, and the police for their cooperation and dedication in ensuring S. swift return.

Upon crossing the Polish border, a court order for a 90-day provisional detention was enacted. This order, initially issued to facilitate the issuance of a wanted notice, will expire following S. interrogation by investigators. Prosecutors may petition the court to extend the detention if deemed necessary; otherwise, the temporary detention must be immediately lifted and the warrant canceled upon completion of the procedures.

Legal proceedings involving the detainee are scheduled for Thursday in Katowice, according to Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA) spokesperson Jacek Dobrzyński.

Dobrzyński added on X that S. was immediately taken into custody by police and Central Anti-Corruption Bureau agents upon landing. He is to be transported to Katowice, where the local branch of the National Prosecutor's Office is handling the investigation.

The National Prosecutor’s Office revealed in August that charges had been filed against former RARS head Michał K. and Paweł S. regarding alleged irregularities at RARS, including involvement in an organized crime group, neglect of duties, and exceeding authority for financial gain.

Interpol issued a red notice for S. on October 10, following the release of a Polish arrest warrant and a European arrest warrant.

The investigation into RARS irregularities began on December 1, 2023, led by the Silesian Branch of the Department for Organized Crime and Corruption of the National Prosecutor’s Office in Katowice. The probe includes potential abuse of authority and negligence by RARS employees in purchasing activities from February 23, 2021, to November 27, 2023, in Warsaw, alleged to have caused harm to the public interest and pursued for financial gain.