Stories from Warsaw · Poland

There is a risk that authoritarian governments could gain control as technology is not in public hands. Brussels hosts more lobbyists than European Parliament members, indicating substantial influence from tech companies.

The 'MOST' electronic system for Ukrainian refugees is experiencing functional disruptions. The system is used for submitting applications for temporary, permanent, and long-term EU resident permits. Refugees must create accounts in the system to apply for the three-year residency card starting in early May. The digital system used by officials in Lublin is experiencing technical difficulties as of Monday morning. Authorities are currently unable to access the system or determine the total number of registered accounts. It is unclear if the outage is caused by system overload.

Henryk R, known as 'Łomiarz from Warsaw', is scheduled for release tomorrow. The man was active in the early 1990s and attacked approximately 30 women, resulting in 5 deaths. Judge Grzegorz Gawaz of the Łódź District Court stated that experts believe the man still poses a threat. He previously committed attacks during prison furloughs and between sentences. Approximately 30 women were victims of his attacks, resulting in 5 deaths.

Internal Security Agency officers near Wołomin, near Warsaw, dismantled a production line for counterfeit banknotes. The operation targeted a ring capable of producing nearly 360 million euros in fake currency. Agents seized quantities of components used in the manufacturing process. The crackdown was conducted under the direction of the National Prosecutor's Office. Investigators found counterfeit banknotes with replicated watermarks and production-quality notes used for testing ATM security. Some counterfeit currency was reportedly introduced into circulation in Ukraine. Police arrested four individuals and dismantled a professional counterfeit banknote production line in Wołomin County near Warsaw. The group planned to distribute fake 100 euro notes through ATM networks after completing printing tests.

The number of working pensioners in Poland has risen to 860,000, more than double the figure from nine years ago, according to ZUS data. Pawel Jaroszek, Vice-President of ZUS, highlighted that each additional year of work leads to a higher pension and encouraged individuals to check their eligibility and desire to continue working. Poland's average life expectancy is increasing, evidenced by over 4,000 registered centenarians.

The Supreme Administrative Court has upheld a lower court ruling regarding Sławomir Censkiewicz. The court determined that Censkiewicz did not withhold any information in his security questionnaire and provided all required data. Despite the ruling, the court noted that proceedings to grant him a security certificate will still commence. Special services maintain their position regarding the case, though they respect the judicial verdict. The move aims to ensure perpetrators face deserved punishment for crimes committed by soldiers and officials. The government maintains a technical or formal argument regarding the court's ruling and its immediate impact on access.

Polish intelligence reports suggest the Tambowska mafia, a dangerous Russian criminal group, may control the Zonda Krypto exchange. The exchange, then named BitBay, was experiencing financial difficulties before changing its name. Poland's Internal Security Agency (ABW) provided these findings, which were reported by Gazeta Wyborcza. The Deputy Minister of Interior commented on the findings in a conversation with Polskie Radio. Hundreds, possibly thousands, of disappointed investors have reported losses of millions of Polish zlotys on the Zondakry cryptocurrency exchange. New victims continue to report to prosecutors, who are planning nationwide interrogations. There is also a suggestion that the Russian mafia may control the exchange. Olympic medalists have also not yet cashed in their cryptocurrency awards.

The company JZW-Cox, a subsidiary, is facing financial difficulties. The firm is reportedly losing 50 million PLN per month, totaling several hundred million PLN annually. The company requires urgent financing to survive until the end of the year. Krala Femion Technologie is filing a notice with the prosecutor's office following a sudden stock price collapse on Monday. CEO Janusz Ciszewski stated the company suffered approximately 3 million PLN in losses on the investment. Ciszewski attributed the loss to a lack of sufficient public opinion regarding the matter.

Poland currently operates 52,000 collection points within its deposit return system. Of these locations, 9,000 are automated machines provided by the Ministry of Climate and Environment. Deputy Minister Anita Sowieńska stated that the availability of collection points is increasing. The ministry is currently analyzing feedback regarding the system's operation. The move follows recent leadership transitions at the Institute.

Rapper Disney Raka and 11-year-old Maj Medzan have achieved the largest charity livestream in history. The stream was inspired by the song 'Ciągle Tutaj Jestem'. Millions of Polish viewers followed the broadcast. The duo is expected to be entered into the Guinness World Records.