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Detention of Former Krakow Official

Jan Tajster, a 70-year-old man, was detained by police officers in Krakow on Tuesday (Kraków. Były krakowski urzędnik zatrzymany. Ma wyrok za łapówki, był poszukiwany listem gończym – TVN24). The arrest followed a warrant issued by the District Court in Krakow in May. Law enforcement sought Tajster because he did not appear at the correctional facility to begin serving his sentence (Jan Tajster zatrzymany przez krakowską policję – RMF24).

Background and Roles

Tajster previously held roles within the city administration, specifically serving as the director of the Communal Cemeteries Board and the Roads and Communications Board in Krakow. In these capacities, he was responsible for overseeing investments and the communal economy of the city.

Conviction Details

In December 2025, Tajster was found guilty in a case involving fraud, bribery, and actions detrimental to public interest. The court imposed a sentence of 5.5 years in prison. The conviction specifically concerned the acceptance of three bribes between 2004 and 2007 (Policja zatrzymała znanego krakowskiego urzędnika. Był poszukiwany listem gończym – Onet). These illicit payments included a house constructed in Kryspinów near Krakow, as well as funds for a watch and car repairs. Furthermore, the company that provided these payments participated in public procurement processes while Tajster held a directorial position.

Key Points

• Jan Tajster, a 70-year-old former Krakow official, was detained by police on October 21, 2026.
• He was wanted under a warrant because he failed to report to prison to begin serving his sentence.
• Tajster was convicted in a case involving fraud and accepting bribes related to his time in city administration.
• His sentence was 5.5 years in prison, which was handed down in December 2025.