Fisheries

CBA enters trade*headquarters - investigation into corruption in the fisheries sector

On March 11, 2025, officers of the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) conducted operations at the headquarters of the Gdańsk region of NSZZ "Solidarność" and the inter-enterprise commission of NSZZ "Solidarność" of Baltic Sea workers in Reda. The operation was carried out based on a prosecutor's order to seize items as part of an investigation into suspected corruption in the granting of subsidies for the termination of fishing activities in the Baltic Sea.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 11.03.2025, 21:50 Reading time: 2 min

Fishing cutter POL-8582 moored at the quay with an NSZZ Solidarność Region Gdański flag on its mast — fot. Kateryna Ishchenko / Solidarność

In brief

Central Anticorruption Bureau officers carried out actions on 11 March 2025 at the offices of the Gdańsk Region of NSZZ Solidarność and the NSZZ Solidarność Inter-Company Commission of Baltic Sea Workers in Reda. The investigation began on 2 August 2024 after a fishing association reported a demand for a large bribe in exchange for granting shipowners subsidies to cease fishing in the Baltic. The Regional Prosecutor's Office in Gdańsk took over the case, assigning it to the CBA Gdańsk branch. Investigators secured documents and data carriers, and NSZZ Solidarność pledged full cooperation.

Background of the case – suspected corruption in the fisheries sector

The investigation, initially conducted by the district prosecutor's office in Lębork, was launched on August 2, 2024, following a report from one of the fishing associations. The report concerned allegations of a crime involving the demand for a large financial benefit in exchange for granting shipowners subsidies for ceasing fishing activities and claiming influence in state institutions. The case was later taken over by the regional prosecutor's office in Gdańsk, which entrusted the investigation to the CBA delegation in Gdańsk.

During the operations, documentation and electronic data carriers were secured and will be analyzed by experts. The prosecutor's office has announced that further procedural steps will be taken after a thorough review of the collected materials.

NSZZ "Solidarność" response

The communication office of NSZZ "Solidarność" addressed the matter, emphasizing that the CBA's actions do not concern the entire union but only one of the inter-enterprise organizations registered in the Gdańsk region. The presence of law enforcement at the Gdańsk region headquarters resulted from its role as the registration authority for the organization in question.

Representatives of NSZZ "Solidarność" declared full cooperation with the regional prosecutor's office and the CBA, assuring their readiness to provide all necessary information to clarify the case. At the same time, they stressed that media reports suggesting the involvement of the entire union were inaccurate.

Significance of the case for the fisheries sector

The Baltic fishing industry has long faced growing challenges, including fishing restrictions and the need for fleet restructuring. Under EU and national aid programs, many shipowners have received financial support for ceasing operations, aiming to reduce fishing pressure on the depleted Baltic fish stocks.

The investigation into possible corruption in the allocation of these subsidies could have significant consequences for both fishing enterprises and the institutions responsible for distributing public funds. Potential abuses in this area could undermine trust in the support system and cause further turmoil in an already struggling sector.

We will continue to monitor developments and report on further prosecutorial decisions and potential consequences for the maritime industry.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier