In brief

• The head of GDDKiA's Wrocław branch was detained and charged with seven offences.
• The charges include exceeding powers in tenders, forging documents and retaliating against a whistleblower.
• The most serious charge carries up to 10 years in prison.
• He has been suspended, is not receiving pay and has not been dismissed.

Detention and charges

Police from an anti-corruption unit detained Waldemar W., head of the Wrocław branch of GDDKiA. Prosecutors have brought seven charges against him (Dyrektor wrocławskiego oddziału GDDKiA zatrzymany. Usłyszał siedem zarzutów – Bankier.pl) (Szef oddziału GDDKiA zatrzymany. Usłyszał 7 zarzutów – RMF24). Most of them concern exceeding his powers in tender procedures and forging documents.

Whistleblower retaliation and the most serious charge

Investigators say he took retaliatory action against a person who reported irregularities in recruitment for a civil service post at the branch (Szef oddziału GDDKiA zatrzymany. Usłyszał siedem zarzutów – RMF24). That employee was reportedly dismissed on a false pretext of absence from work. The most serious charge, carrying up to 10 years in prison, concerns acting for personal gain under article 231 §2 of the Penal Code. Prosecutors allege he told the chair of a recruitment committee to pick a specific candidate for one post.

Suspension and response

Waldemar W. took the post in 2024. He was questioned, denied guilt and refused to give explanations. He remains under police supervision. Spokeswoman Magdalena Szumiata said he is not performing any official duties, is not coming to the office and is not receiving pay, but he has not been dismissed from the post. GDDKiA headquarters was due to comment on Thursday.