Former CBA agent worked for Zondacrypto chief, triggering foundation split, media reveal

A trusted agent's second act

Artur Chodziński joined the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau (CBA) in 2006, quickly becoming one of the most trusted officers of its first chief, Mariusz Kamiński. He worked on the wiretapping scandal that contributed to the fall of the PO-PSL government. Removed in 2015 for leaking materials to PiS-friendly journalists, he returned to active service after PiS regained power, later handling cases such as Polnord and operations against opposition figures. After retiring before the 2023 elections, Chodziński remained active in right-wing circles, co-founding the Frontline Foundation in late 2024 with General Maciej Materka, former head of the Military Counterintelligence Service, and Norbert Loba, former deputy chief of the Internal Security Agency.

The Zondacrypto connection

Zondacrypto, a cryptocurrency exchange, is under investigation by the Katowice Regional Prosecutor's Office for possible fraud and money laundering, with clients reporting difficulties withdrawing funds. Onet and TVN24 now report that Chodziński worked for the exchange's founder, Przemysław Kral, receiving large sums. Chodziński denied the allegation, stating he left the Frontline Foundation's board because he wanted to earn money from its activities, which its statute did not allow. However, journalists obtained a message he sent in early June 2026 via a messenger app.

“It's like this: for a few months I worked for Kral. Not for Zonda and not regarding cryptocurrencies.”

A foundation divided

The Frontline Foundation, set up by Chodziński, Materka, and Loba, was meant to be a platform for former security service officials. A few weeks ago, a deep conflict erupted inside the foundation, leading to Chodziński's departure. According to the media reports, the dispute centred on his business activity for Kral. The fallout exposes tensions between Chodziński's private consulting and the foundation's non-profit mission.

Political fallout

President Karol Nawrocki vetoed three government bills designed to regulate the crypto market. After those decisions, the government accused the president, his circle, and the PiS camp of acting in Zondacrypto's interest. Prime Minister Donald Tusk previously spoke of transfers from the company managing the exchange to foundations linked to PiS and Confederation politicians. Chodziński himself attended a PiS programme conference and was photographed with President Nawrocki and his wife on 11 November 2025.

What comes next

The Katowice prosecutor's investigation into Zondacrypto continues. Chodziński's leaked message contradicts his public denial, raising questions about the nature of his work for Kral. The Frontline Foundation's remaining founders have not commented publicly on the split. The revelations add a new layer to the ongoing political dispute over crypto regulation in Poland.