Antiterrorist police in Lodz, central Poland, have been cooperating with gangsters, extorting protection money, drug dealing and protecting dealers.

Four officers were arrested by the Central Investigation Bureau and Internal Affairs Office of Polish police back in January, writes Gazeta Wyborcza.

Under the commend of an experienced antiterrorist officer, anti terrorist policemen from Lodz have been terrorizing club owners throughout central Poland. Initially they were offering security services to establishments and if the owner refused, they vandalized the club.

Antiterrorist units train everyday but as Poland is not a target high up the list of aspiring terrorists they are not particularly busy and are modestly paid  from 1200 – 2300 zloty. Gangsters could add to the meger income, paying them from 100 to 300 zloty per one nigh and up to 1000 zloty for a weekend’s work.

“They have skills, but no one uses them. And a frustrated antiterrorist officer is great material for a gangster,” an unnamed officer told Gazeta Wyborcza.

Meanwhile, policemen from the Central Investigation Bureau in Lodz have detained eight members of an organized crime group, including its leader, a 46-year-old known as “Hunchback”.  For several years the gang operated throughout the whole of Poland. Their members were extorting and stealing money, trading drugs and wheedling loans from banks. According to the police more people may be arrested soon. (wg/pg)