Former Polish Official Fights UK Extradition Over £63M Corruption Case

Michal Kuczmierowski, a former senior Polish government official and close associate of ex-Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, is fighting extradition from the UK to Poland over allegations of corruption involving over £63 million in contracts for power generators supplied to Ukraine. He denies wrongdoing and claims his prosecution is politically motivated, arguing he cannot receive a fair trial under the current pro-EU government led by Donald Tusk, which has prioritized holding former officials from the previous nationalist Law and Justice administration accountable. Polish prosecutors accuse Kuczmierowski of secretly facilitating contracts worth more than 321 million zlotys, and if convicted, he could face up to 15 years in prison. The case highlights broader political tensions in Poland between the current government and former officials, with concerns about the rule of law and political persecution. Kuczmierowski was arrested in London in 2024 and released on bail, now living under curfew while his extradition hearing proceeds. The outcome of the extradition request remains pending, with debates ongoing over political influence and judicial fairness in Poland.