The Prosecutor’s Office has opened proceedings concerning influence peddling that allegedly took place in October this year. Councillor Stróżyński said that Stanisław Chwojnicki promised to help him arrange various matters.
Mr Chwojnicki told me that if I voted the way the coalition wanted, one of the mayors would arrange everything I wanted for me. I even have a recording for my own protection.
Councillor Stanisław Chwojnicki is on sick leave.
The provisions of the Criminal Code provide for a penalty of between 6 months and 8 years’ imprisonment for influence peddling.
There are several questions in this case. Did Chwojnicki in fact offer to arrange everything for Stróżyński in exchange for voting accordingly? And even if he did, would Article 230 of the Criminal Code actually apply? It states that a person claiming to have influence must expect a financial or personal benefit. Would voting in accordance with the coalition’s expectations constitute a personal benefit for Chwojnicki?
Article 230. [Płatna protekcja bierna]§ 1. Anyone who, claiming to have influence in a state or local-government institution, an international or national organisation, or a foreign organisational unit managing public funds, or by creating or reinforcing another person’s belief that such influence exists, undertakes to act as an intermediary in resolving a matter in exchange for a financial or personal benefit, or the promise thereof, shall be subject to a penalty of deprivation of liberty for between 6 months and 8 years.