Krakow, Poland – The country’s interior minister, Marcin Kierwiński, has taken action by filing a complaint to prosecutors regarding an alarming incident that occurred under the former government. This incident involved a grenade launcher given as a gift to the former head of police, Jarosław Szymczyk, by a Ukrainian official, resulting in an explosion within Szymczyk’s office.

The shocking event, which unfolded in December 2022 and left Szymczyk hospitalized, sparked widespread outrage at the time. Images later surfaced showcasing a significant hole in the office floor caused by the explosion, with reports indicating that the repair costs amounted to 17,000 zloty (€3,943).

The newly appointed interior minister, Kierwiński, who assumed office in December as part of the new government, announced on Friday the discovery of 27 serious infractions linked to the grenade launcher incident. These transgressions shed light on what he described as the police mismanagement by Szymczyk and members of the previous ruling party.

Concerned by the lack of action taken by the former Law and Justice (PiS) government, Kierwiński emphasized the need to address the ownership of a weapon without a permit and the abuse of power in the case involving Szymczyk. The minister highlighted Szymczyk’s oversight in failing to verify the safety of the grenade launcher received during his visit to Ukraine.

Following a working visit to Ukraine in December 2022, where Szymczyk received two grenade launchers from Ukrainian officials, a catastrophic incident occurred as he rearranged the devices in his Warsaw office, leading to a powerful explosion. The blast caused extensive damage, resulting in Szymczyk’s hospitalization due to injuries sustained.

In response to the incident, Ukraine took disciplinary action against Dmytro Bondar, the deputy head of the state emergency service responsible for presenting the gift. Criminal proceedings were initiated in Ukraine in connection to the explosion, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

The aftermath of the explosion continues to unfold, shedding light on the implications of mishandling such weaponry. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of thorough safety protocols and oversight in the handling of military equipment, especially in civilian settings.