A document released by the Internal Security Agency (ABW) speaks of some 300 diplomats accredited in Poland to be working for foreign intelligence services.

The Agency’s annual activity report was presented at a press conference on Thursday in Warsaw by its chief Krzysztof Bondaryk, who described the findings as “not an alarming number, considering there are over 2,000 diplomats performing their mission in Poland.”

Bondaryk refrained from naming any specific countries conducting espionage operations on Polish territory. The ABW head explained this figure also includes foreign intelligence officers who gather information from overt sources and personal contacts.

During the conference, Bondaryk stressed that ousting diplomats engaged in activities running counter to their status is treated as a last resort, keeping in mind that any such action is surely to provoke reciprocal measures from the other side. Polish special services consider such options with utmost sensitivity, he said.

The ABW chief also disclosed the Agency’s plans to amend the Polish penal code with reference to laws on countering foreign intelligence activity.

Present provisions speak of legal punishment for persons who engage in espionage activity directed against the Polish state. The Internal Security Agency wants to press for the incorporation of all forms of intelligence conducted on Poland’s territory. (ss/jb)

Source: IAR