Фото: Straż Granicznа
The Polish Border Guard has dismantled an organized criminal group that produced certificates falsely confirming student status or enrollment at post-secondary vocational schools. Its clients were Belarusian, Ukrainian, Moldovan and Georgian citizens under the age of 26. Such documents entitle holders to certain benefits in Poland, including tax benefits, such as exemption from social security contributions. They could also be used to obtain residence permits and work permits.
The investigation began in 2024. The group itself operated from June 2022 until the end of 2025. It offered certificates from five Ukrainian higher education institutions and two Polish post-secondary vocational schools. A package of documents cost between 230 and 800 zlotys.
At the end of 2025, searches were conducted in several locations, including Warsaw and Kraków, and three Ukrainian citizens were detained. The group was allegedly led by a 42-year-old Ukrainian man, from whom 87,000 zlotys were seized. It was later established that he had earned at least 1.2 million zlotys from the group’s activities.
Further arrests followed, including six people detained last week.
A total of 19 Ukrainian citizens, three Moldovan citizens and one Georgian citizen have been charged in the case. They include both members of the group and foreign nationals who used the forged documents.
Border guards have not ruled out further arrests.