Ukrainian national headed money laundering network handling 337 million zlotys in Poland

Polish special services and prosecutors have uncovered a large-scale money laundering scheme through which 337 million zlotys (approximately EUR 79 million) passed. The group was led by a 34-year-old Ukrainian citizen.

Eight Ukrainians and a Belarusian woman have been detained in connection with the case.

According to investigators, from February 2025 to July 2026 the group laundered money obtained through internet fraud — including through fictitious investment platforms and cryptocurrency schemes.

The scheme worked as follows: couriers in expensive cars collected cash at pre-arranged locations. To identify themselves, they presented a photograph of half a torn banknote showing a visible serial number. The money was then delivered to cryptocurrency exchange offices, where it was accepted without mandatory checks.

Some of the funds were transferred to bank accounts, while some were taken abroad in hidden compartments in cars. Fictitious gold purchases were also used to conceal the origin of the money. The bulk of the funds were ultimately converted into cryptocurrency.

The arrests took place in Warsaw, Łódź, and the Lesser Poland Voivodeship. Seven suspects were remanded in custody, and two others were released on bail with a ban on leaving the country. During searches, cash and gold worth more than one million zlotys were seized. All suspects face up to 15 years in prison.

Previously in Poland, a military cadet holding Ukrainian citizenship was detained on suspicion of espionage. In addition, four Ukrainians and a Russian national in Poland face life sentences for preparing acts of sabotage on Russia’s orders.