Polish authorities have dismantled a group involved in smuggling sanctioned goods into Belarus. According to the Lublin prosecutor’s office, the group operated from June 2025 to April 2026 using the Kukuryki-Kazlovichy border crossing.
Sanctioned goods, including spare parts and engineering products, were transported to Belarus. The carriers used two sets of documents. At the Polish border, they presented paperwork declaring exports of food products, including sweets, coffee and beer. On the Belarusian side, they presented documents for the goods that were actually being transported across the border.
A total of six people have been detained. They face multiple charges, including participation in an organized criminal group, violations of sanctions regimes and smuggling.
Among those detained was Magdalena W., a 29-year-old employee of the Customs and Tax Service who allegedly facilitated the transport of goods without customs inspections. According to prosecutors, she received at least 162,500 zlotys in bribes for allowing the cargo shipments through. During a search of the customs officer’s residence, authorities seized 385,000 zlotys and 1,990 euros in cash. She was placed in custody for three months.
Preventive measures not involving detention were imposed on the other members of the group, including bail, travel restrictions and police supervision.
