The State Treasury allegedly lost 54 million zlotys as a result of a major scandal in the Polish Army.

In 1999, when Poland joined the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, it was necessary to adjust Polish military maps to NATO’s standards. The Polish Army put maps out to tender and several civil companies won a contract.

Later, it turned out that the companies belonged to family members of high-rank officers. The companies themselves were unable to make maps so they commissioned soldiers to draw them. Thus, in 1999-2003 the Polish Army paid 54 million zlotys (12 million euros) to middlemen for having commissioned maps that it made itself.

The money gained that way was distributed: most of it was doled out to military men who commissioned maps and their families and the rest to soldiers who made the maps while on duty.

So far, the Prosecutor’s Office in Poznan has accused seventeen people, including civilians, military men and members of the General Staff, of fraud. Several of them, who voluntarily admitted guilt were sentenced to six months in prison suspended to six years. (mg/mmj)

Source: TVN24