Polish Services Close in on Former Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski, Believed to Be Hiding in the Balkans

Background

Marcin Romanowski, a former deputy justice minister and MP from the Law and Justice (PiS) party, faces a sweeping corruption investigation over the Justice Fund, a state program intended for crime victims. The Justice Fund scandal has rocked Polish politics, with allegations that millions of złotys were diverted to political allies and questionable projects. Prosecutors have charged him with 19 crimes, including participation in an organized criminal group and rigging competitions for fund distribution. A European Arrest Warrant was issued in December 2024, and the Sejm lifted his immunity twice, most recently in February 2026, authorizing detention and arrest.

Flight and asylum

After the allegations surfaced, Romanowski fled to Hungary, where he received political asylum under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government. However, the political landscape shifted dramatically when Orbán's Fidesz party lost power. New Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar made clear that 'international criminals' would not be welcome. Zbigniew Ziobro, the former justice minister who also faces charges, left for the United States shortly before Magyar's swearing-in.

There are signs that he also left Hungary, but via Serbia.

The manhunt intensifies

Polish services, aided by special 'shadow hunter' teams—specialized units from police and other services tasked with tracking fugitives abroad—have been tracking Romanowski's movements across the Balkans. According to investigative journalists Mariusz Gierszewski and Dominika Długosz, he was sighted twice in Serbia and once in Croatia. The hunters are now 'very close' to capturing him, Gierszewski reported. Marcin Kierwiński, Poland's Minister of Interior and Administration, confirmed that all indicators point to Romanowski remaining in Europe, likely still within the Schengen zone.

Everything indicates that Marcin Romanowski is in Europe, he has not left the Schengen area.

Financial strain

A key factor accelerating the search is Romanowski's dwindling finances. He no longer collects his MP salary, and while he still receives funds for parliamentary office expenses, those may not suffice for prolonged clandestine living. Journalists noted that Romanowski's financial troubles are compounded by the fact that he cannot legally work and must rely on cash reserves that are rapidly depleting. His rental agreement in Budapest expired at the end of April, leaving the apartment empty since May 1. This has forced him into more vulnerable movements across borders.

Apparently he is running out of money. Therefore, he can no longer hide so effectively.

Closing in

Authorities are optimistic that an arrest is imminent. Kierwiński declined to provide operational details but asserted that 'the services are close.' Meanwhile, Hungarian intelligence has shared information confirming Romanowski's departure via Serbia, bolstering the cross-border effort. Regarding Ziobro, Kierwiński ruled out any negotiations, stating there would be no safe-conduct for 'such a fugitive.' With European partners cooperating, the net appears to be tightening on the fugitive politician.