Kraków police detain two men following fatal assault of 36-year-old in Nowa Huta

Fatal assault on Osiedle Willowe

During the night between 20 and 21 August 2026, a 36-year-old man died following an attack on Osiedle Willowe in the Nowa Huta district of Kraków. The victim, identified as Jakub and known in sports circles as Yankes, was an active member of the boxing section of Hutnik Kraków as well as a supporter of the club. A group of assailants struck, kicked, and wounded the victim with a sharp weapon before fleeing the area. A passerby found the injured man lying on the ground and called emergency services. Although medical personnel initiated resuscitation procedures at the scene, the man died of his injuries in the ambulance during transport.

Police investigation and suspect detentions

Video recordings from district surveillance cameras captured a group of several men carrying out the assault against one victim, as confirmed on Sunday by prosecutor Mariusz Boroń from the Regional Prosecutor's Office in Kraków. Police officers initially detained nine individuals connected to football fan circles for questioning. Investigators released all nine people after interrogations, as officers found insufficient evidence to charge them with participating in the beating. On 24 August 2026, police detained two additional men identified through operational work to evaluate whether their involvement was direct or indirect. The investigation was subsequently transferred from the Kraków City Police to the Małopolska Voivodship Police Headquarters, functioning under the supervision of the Kraków-Nowa Huta District Prosecutor's Office.

Police spokesperson Anna Zbroja-Zagórska described the ongoing investigative steps.

Police are conducting activities with these men, explaining their individual participation in the incident. Intensive actions are underway all the time to clarify the case and find the perpetrators.

Legal classification and club responses

The prosecutor's office opened formal proceedings under Articles 158 §1 and 159 in conjunction with Article 11 §2 of the Polish Penal Code, which cover participation in a brawl or beating with the use of a dangerous object. Following the death of Jakub, Hutnik Kraków offered condolences to his family and supported a fundraising campaign organized to finance his funeral and assist his relatives. In response to public commentary suggesting that individuals associated with Wisła Kraków participated in the attack, the club published an official statement rejecting all violence.

In connection with information and materials appearing in the public space, including comments suggesting the participation of people identified with Wisła Kraków in the tragic event in Nowa Huta, Football Club TS Wisła Kraków S.A. firmly condemns all acts of violence and aggression.

The club also stated that violence has nothing in common with sports fandom and opposed associating the entire organization with the actions of specific individuals.

Public appeal and search for suspects

The Life and Health Crimes Division of the Kraków City Police published images of a man suspected of participating in the attack and called upon members of the public to assist in identifying him. Law enforcement authorities guaranteed complete anonymity for anyone providing information regarding the case. Witnesses or individuals with relevant knowledge can contact Police Station VIII in Kraków at +48 47 83 52 910 or by email at kp8@krakow.policja.gov.pl. Information may also be provided directly to the Kraków City Police duty officer at 47 83 52 908 or via the emergency line 112.