Polish Railway Chief Wins Police Tender Amid Corruption Probe

The head of Poland's Railway Protection Force (SOK), Jarosław Garstka, has won a public tender to supply specialized equipment to the Warsaw Metropolitan Police. His private company offered the lowest bid for shooting trainers and stun gun simulators, valued at nearly 528,000 zlotys (approximately $135,000 USD).

“

There was no violation of the law, the regulations do not prohibit it, I have nothing to reproach myself for.

Garstka's company secured the contract for just over 342,000 zlotys. He maintains that his business, which he has run for 20 years, does not violate any laws or create a conflict of interest, as its activities are not competitive with his duties at the SOK. He noted that he declared his business activities upon taking his current post.

Despite his assurances, Poland's Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) has announced it will investigate the tender. The agency will examine whether the process was compliant with regulations and if Garstka's position influenced the outcome. "CBA agents are analyzing all this information for violations or breaches of law by the commander," said Jacek Dobrzyński, spokesperson for the special services coordinator.

“

CBA agents are analyzing all this information for violations or breaches of law by the commander.

Garstka has stated that his company will no longer participate in public tenders, citing the current controversy. "Given the current situation and attempts to portray this as illegal, I will not do it anymore. I find no justification for these accusations, but I do not want to give fodder to those who make them," he told RMF FM.

“

Given the current situation and attempts to portray this as illegal, I will not do it anymore. I find no justification for these accusations, but I do not want to give fodder to those who make them.