Poland’s Central Bureau of Investigation has carried out a major operation against a group involved in the illegal legalization of foreign nationals. The action, conducted together with the Border Guard and the Prosecutor’s Office, targeted a scheme that had been operating from 2020 to 2024.
According to police, the group used forged documents — including fictitious employment certificates and false proof of residence — to submit applications for residence permits. Up to 1,500 citizens of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Georgia, Turkey and other countries may have used the group’s services, which cost between 3,000 and 5,000 zlotys (USD 800–1,400).
More than 160 police officers and border guards took part in coordinated raids across three voivodeships. Twenty-four people were detained, including citizens of Ukraine, Poland, Belarus, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and the Philippines. A 52-year-old Polish national and a 39-year-old Ukrainian citizen are suspected of leading the group.
During searches, officers seized computers, mobile phones, documents, 40,000 zlotys in cash and a car. Prosecutors have charged the detainees with participating in an organised criminal group, facilitating illegal residence, document forgery and providing false testimony. Two suspects were placed under arrest, while the others are under police supervision and banned from leaving the country.
Police note that at least 20 foreigners who obtained residency through the group later committed crimes in other EU states, often within local criminal networks.
