Polish special 'shadow hunter' units are tracking former deputy justice minister Marcin Romanowski, believed to be hiding in the Balkans.
Romanowski faces 19 counts, including participation in an organized criminal group and rigging competitions related to the mismanaged Justice Fund.
A European Arrest Warrant and a court order for temporary arrest have been issued, with his immunity lifted repeatedly by the Polish parliament.
After losing political asylum following the change in government in Hungary, Romanowski departed Budapest and traveled through Serbia.
With his MP salary cut and rental agreement expired, Romanowski's depleting funds are hindering his ability to remain in hiding.
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.
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Polish services are reportedly on the verge of capturing fugitive MP Marcin Romanowski, who is believed to be hiding in the Balkans after fleeing corruption charges related to the Justice Fund scandal.
AI text based on reports by Do Rzeczy, polsatnews.pl, TVN24 and other publishers. Published .