Human trafficking, money laundering, millions frozen. Successful operation by border guard and tax administration

A coordinated operation by the Polish Border Guard and the National Tax Administration has dismantled a multi-national criminal group involved in human trafficking and money laundering. The operation highlights the effectiveness of inter-agency cooperation and sophisticated investigative planning.

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Today | 12:34 | Source: Gazeta Morska | Prepared by: Kamil Kusier | Print

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- This operation targeted 17 residential and commercial premises and several vehicles linked to the group. We secured cash, investment gold, coins, and jewelry worth approximately PLN 3.6 million, as well as 28 bank accounts with over PLN 3.8 million frozen, said Tadeusz Gruchalla-Wensierski, spokesperson for the Maritime Border Guard (MOSG).

Forced labor and exploitation of foreign workers

The group, composed primarily of Ukrainian, Polish, and Uzbek nationals, recruited foreign workers—mainly Colombians—already in their home countries, and falsely sent them to work in Poland.

- Victims were subjected to forced labor, threats, and exploitation of their vulnerable situations, Tadeusz Gruchalla-Wensierski explained.

Arrests, asset seizure, and operational challenges

Eight suspects were detained, six of whom were placed in pre-trial detention. Two others are under police supervision with travel restrictions and financial guarantees. During the operation, officers had to use firearms to stop vehicles driven by fleeing suspects; no injuries were reported.

- The operation was multi-faceted. In addition to arrests and searches, we secured criminal assets and collected evidence that will allow for further charges and assessment of tax liabilities, the spokesperson added.

Scale and coordination of the operation

A total of 125 Border Guard officers from several units—including Gdańsk, Warmińsko-Mazurskie, Nadwiślański, and Nadodrzański—took part in the action, supported by 31 officers from the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Tax Office. Firearms and small amounts of narcotics were also seized.

Investigation ongoing

The investigation has so far identified 50 victims of human trafficking and uncovered that approximately 2,000 foreigners were recruited during the group’s operations.

- Operations of this scale demonstrate that combating organized crime requires precise planning and close inter-agency cooperation, Tadeusz Gruchalla-Wensierski concluded.

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