Fugitive Former Polish Justice Minister Reportedly Located in Transnistria

Marcin Romanowski, a former deputy justice minister under Poland's Law and Justice (PiS) government, is believed to be residing in Tiraspol, the capital of the pro Russian breakaway region of Transnistria. A Warsaw district court and the National Prosecutor's Office confirmed receiving a letter from Romanowski, signed by hand and sent from Tiraspol, in which he requested safe passage to Poland. He stated he would be willing to appear before prosecutors or a court on the condition that he is not placed in detention.

Romanowski is currently wanted on a European arrest warrant for 11 alleged crimes, including fraud, corruption, and participating in an organized criminal group. Prosecutors allege he misused a justice ministry fund intended for crime victims to illegally finance the PiS party and its allies, causing damages of approximately 40 million euros. Romanowski previously fled to Budapest, Hungary, where he had been granted asylum. He left Hungary after the government of Viktor Orbán lost power.

Polish government officials have expressed concern over Romanowski's presence in the Russian linked territory. Deputy Defence Minister Cezary Tomczyk stated that Romanowski is likely under the influence of Russian intelligence. Przemysław Czarnek, a deputy leader of the PiS party, agreed that residing in such a territory would be crossing a line. Deputy Foreign Minister Marcin Bosacki noted that diplomatic options for extradition are limited because Poland has no formal relations with the authorities in Transnistria and Moldovan authorities may be unable to arrest him.

Transnistria is a de facto state in eastern Moldova that is not recognized internationally but maintains close ties with Russia, including the presence of Russian military forces.