24 September 2026 , 15:20
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An individual suspected of stealing the identity of several citizens to fraudulently obtain funds intended to modernise residential buildings under the Clean Air programme has been arrested while withdrawing money from an ATM. The arrest follows an investigation by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) in Warsaw (Poland).
The suspect allegedly forged documents and assumed the identities of over a dozen legitimate property owners to unlawfully obtain over € 300 000 (PLN 1.3 million) in funds earmarked for the Clean Air Programme – a Polish government scheme that provides funding to homeowners to replace polluting heating systems and improve energy efficiency in residential buildings, co-funded by the EU.
Using these stolen profiles, the individual submitted numerous fraudulent applications to the regional paying agency (Voivodeship Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management – WFOŚiGW). The funds were subsequently transferred to bank accounts opened under the names of ‘strawmen’.
The suspect was apprehended by law enforcement during the night of 18 September, while attempting to withdraw part of the funds from an ATM. During a search of the suspect’s vehicle, officers found and seized equipment used as a mobile office, including a laptop, forged documents, stamps and cash. In addition, at the suspect’s residence, officers seized cash in euros and US dollars amounting to €14 640 (PLN 64 000). Approximately the same amount was secured in the suspect’s bank account.
The suspect was charged with 12 counts of fraud and was remanded in pre-trial detention for a period of two months. with the possibility of release upon payment of approximately €11 900 (PLN 50 000) bail.
The investigation, supported by the Regional Police Headquarters in Białystok, Economic Crime Department (Komenda Wojewódzka Policji w Białymstoku, Wydział do Walki z Przestępczością Ekonomiczną), is ongoing. Additional charges may be brought as further fraudulent activities come to light.
All persons concerned are presumed innocent until proven guilty in the competent Polish courts of law.
The EPPO is the independent public prosecution office of the European Union. It is responsible for investigating, prosecuting and bringing to judgment crimes against the financial interests of the EU.
Politics Editor