Poland seeks extradition of ex-Justice Minister Ziobro from US over corruption charges

Poland has formally requested the extradition of former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro from the United States, citing serious corruption allegations. The request was transmitted through diplomatic channels to U.S. authorities, according to the spokesperson for the General Prosecutor's Office in Warsaw.

Ziobro, a prominent figure in the conservative PiS party that governed Poland from 2015 to 2023, fled the country last year. He initially sought and received political asylum in Hungary under then-Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Following Orbán's electoral defeat, Ziobro relocated to the United States in May. The new Hungarian Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, has indicated that Hungary will no longer protect Ziobro.

Polish prosecutors are investigating the 55-year-old former minister for 26 offenses. These include allegations of forming and leading a criminal organization and embezzling funds equivalent to approximately 35 million euros. If found guilty, Ziobro faces a potential prison sentence of up to 25 years. He has vehemently denied the accusations, labeling them "reckless" and asserting he is being politically persecuted.

The extradition request will first be reviewed by a U.S. federal court. Should the court approve the request, the final decision on Ziobro's extradition will rest with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

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