PiS MEP Daniel Obajtek charged over alleged spying on political rivals
Polish MEP Daniel Obajtek, a member of the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, was formally charged on Wednesday by the Warsaw Regional Prosecutor’s Office in connection with an investigation into the alleged surveillance of political rivals during his tenure as CEO of state-controlled oil company PKN Orlen.
Daniel ObajtekPhoto: PAP/Paweł Supernak
Earlier, the European Parliament lifted Obajtek’s immunity over the probe, which centres on contracts he is said to have signed for private investigative services intended to monitor his political rivals.
Prosecutors allege that the former Orlen chief concluded two agreements worth nearly 400,000 Polish zlotys (around €94,500) using company funds at his disposal at the time.
According to the authorities, the contracts were executed for Obajtek’s personal gain.
Polish right-wing MEP faces allegations of financial misconduct
Leaving the prosecutor’s office, where crowds had gathered, Obajtek told journalists that he refused to provide a statement and denied any wrongdoing.
If convicted of managerial misconduct and acting to the detriment of a state-owned company for personal or political benefit, Obajtek could face between three months and five years in prison.
According to Polish Radio, the charges announced on Wednesday may be only the beginning, as Obajtek is also facing separate major economic investigations into alleged multi-billion-zloty losses incurred by the state.
Authorities claim that during his tenure he even used public funds to cover personal expenses, including dental treatments.
(mp)
Source: Polish Radio/X/@PR24_pl
