On October 20, 2026, the Silesian Detached Branch of the Department for Organized Crime and Corruption at the National Prosecutor's Office concluded proceedings against an international criminal group. The group is suspected of conducting organized raids on tobacco product shipments. As a result of the completed investigative activities, investigators submitted an indictment to the court covering 13 individuals.
Arrests and seized arsenal
The key stage of the operational actions took place in May 2025. At that time, officers from the Central Investigation Bureau of the Police and the Criminal Division of the Lublin Provincial Police Command carried out arrests in Warsaw and Wieliszew. During these operations, seven individuals were detained, including two Polish citizens and five Belarusian citizens.
During searches of residential premises, vehicles, and other locations associated with the suspects' activities, authorities seized a substantial arsenal. According to the Police, they secured short and long firearms, including machine guns and smoothbore weapons. More than 1,200 rounds of ammunition of various calibers were found in the group's possession. Additionally, officers discovered flash-bang and smoke grenades, as well as 2.4 kg of explosives equipped with devices allowing for remote detonation.
Operations on Spanish territory
The investigation was not limited to Polish territory alone. Further investigative steps revealed that two suspects, including the main leader of the criminal group, were hiding in Spain. The Polish citizens were detained there and brought to Poland based on European Arrest Warrants, where they were subjected to further procedural actions.
Additional seizures
In addition to weapons and explosives, the police seized electronic equipment used for criminal activities. The items secured included GPS signal jammers, mobile phones, and data storage devices. Authorities also discovered items resembling police uniforms and equipment, as well as large sums of cash in various currencies, which may have originated from the raids.
The gathered evidence allowed investigators to conclude the investigation and charge all thirteen members of the group. Specialists from Spanish authorities also participated in the proceedings, underscoring the international nature of the case.