2024-05-09 20:00 update: 2024-05-12, 14:11
Photo: PAP/Adam Warżawa
The new management of the state-owned Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) has uncovered discrepancies in the purchase of insurance for three frigates, none of which have yet been built.
On Thursday, PGZ reported to the Ministry of State Assets that the previous board, appointed during the rule of the former Law and Justice (PiS) government, spent PLN 157 million (36.7 million) on insurance for three frigates from the Miecznik programme. However, the construction of the first vessel has started only recently.
The Miecznik (Swordfish) programme, one of the largest elements of the Polish Navy's modernisation, is worth PLN 15 billion (EUR 3.5 bln) and covers the purchase of three frigates equipped with modern radar, artillery and missile systems.
The money was paid in advance and the last transfer was made shortly before the previous board was dismissed, said Cezary Tomczyk, a deputy defence minister.
Tomczyk mentioned that his ministry was taking the matter very seriously. "PLN 157 million were spent from state coffers to insure ships that are not there," he said.
"The PGZ Board of Directors has filed a notice with the Prosecutor's Office and the military counterintelligence service," reported Marcin Kulasek, a deputy assets minister.
"It has also implemented internal control measures to prevent such situations in the future." (PAP)
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