Polish Ex-Minister Ziobro Flees Hungary to US Amid Corruption Charges
Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland’s former Justice Minister wanted on 26 criminal charges including embezzlement and abuse of power, has fled Hungary for the United States. His departure follows a policy shift by Hungary’s new Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, who revoked the asylum previously granted by Viktor Orbán. Reports indicate Ziobro entered the US with alleged personal visa approval from President Donald Trump, despite having his Polish passport invalidated. Warsaw has announced plans to seek extradition and demand explanations from both Budapest and Washington, creating significant diplomatic tension among the three nations regarding legal accountability and judicial cooperation.
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Poland's fugitive former justice minister can't rest easy in the US
Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland's former justice minister and a member of the Law and Justice party, is in the United States on a journalist visa after fleeing 26 criminal charges in Poland. The charges relate to alleged misuse of public funds and deployment of Pegasus spyware against political opponents. Ziobro denies the allegations, calling them a political vendetta by Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He arrived in the U.S. earlier this month to work for right-wing Polish broadcaster TV Republika. Reuters reported that U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau expedited his visa. Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has expressed Warsaw's displeasure to American authorities, questioning whether Ziobro is genuinely a journalist and accusing him of misusing the visa by engaging in political activities. Ziobro has said he will fight extradition in U.S. court. Sikorski noted that Poland has an extradition treaty with Washington.
POLITICOUS Welcomes Wanted Polish Ex-Minister Ziobro Despite Trump's Stance on Criminal Aliens
Zbigniew Ziobro, the former Justice Minister of Poland wanted on 26 criminal charges including abuse of power and embezzlement, has arrived in the United States after fleeing Hungary. Ziobro had previously been granted asylum by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, but this protection was revoked by newly elected Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who vowed not to harbor internationally wanted criminals. Despite Polish assurances from U.S. Ambassador Tom Rose that the U.S. would not provide refuge, reports indicate President Donald Trump personally intervened to grant Ziobro a visa, overriding objections from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This development contradicts Trump’s public rhetoric on deporting criminal aliens. Ziobro, whose travel documents were canceled by Poland, confirmed his presence in the U.S. via a right-wing television station, announcing a role as a political commentator. The Polish government has immediately requested extradition and sought clarification from the White House regarding the diplomatic breach and the circumstances surrounding Ziobro’s entry into the country.
Just SecurityUS Welcomes Wanted Polish Ex-Minister Ziobro Despite Trump's Stance on Criminal Aliens
Zbigniew Ziobro, a former Polish Justice Minister wanted on 26 criminal charges including corruption and abuse of power, has arrived in the United States after fleeing Hungary. His departure from Hungary followed the election of Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who revoked Ziobro’s asylum status and vowed to prosecute Fidesz affiliates. Although Polish officials had received prior assurances from the U.S. Ambassador that refuge would not be granted, reports indicate President Donald Trump personally intervened to grant Ziobro a visa, overriding objections from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This action contrasts sharply with Trump’s public rhetoric on deporting criminal aliens. Ziobro, whose travel documents were canceled by Poland, confirmed his presence in the U.S. via a right-wing television station. The Polish government has announced it will immediately seek extradition and is demanding clarification from the White House regarding the diplomatic breach and the legal basis for Ziobro’s entry.
Just SecurityPoland Demands US Explanation for Entry of Wanted Former Justice Minister
Poland’s National Prosecutor’s Office has formally requested clarification from the United States regarding the entry of former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, who is wanted on numerous criminal charges. Ziobro recently fled Hungary, where he held asylum under the previous government, to the US just before Hungary’s new prime minister could execute his extradition to Poland. Polish authorities have asked the US Ambassador to confirm Ziobro’s presence and explain how he crossed the border despite having his Polish passport revoked. While the US State Department cited visa confidentiality, Ziobro’s lawyer claimed he traveled using a Geneva passport issued to refugees. The situation is complicated by the fact that Poland has not yet issued a European Arrest Warrant for Ziobro due to pending legal appeals, meaning extradition would rely on slower bilateral agreements with the US. This development has triggered political tension, with Polish parliamentary speaker Włodzimierz Czarzasty warning that Washington’s refusal to extradite could force Poland to reconsider its strategic relationship with the US. The case highlights significant diplomatic and legal challenges in international law enforcement cooperation between allied nations.
Notes From PolandPoland Demands Explanation as Ex-Minister Romanowski Flees Hungary for US
Poland is demanding explanations from Hungary and the United States after Marcin Romanowski, a former deputy minister accused of embezzlement and creating a criminal organization, fled Hungary for the US. This follows the recent departure of his political ally, Zbigniew Ziobro, who also sought refuge in America just as a new government took power in Budapest. Both politicians had previously been granted political asylum in Hungary under the Orbán administration. Polish authorities expected the new Hungarian leadership to revoke their asylum status, facilitating extradition. However, both men escaped before legal measures could be enforced. Reports suggest Romanowski may have transited through Serbia, potentially using diplomatic channels similar to past controversial escapes. The Polish prosecutor's office noted that Ziobro’s exit from the Schengen zone was not recorded in border control systems. Poland has initiated extradition requests in Washington, but success is considered unlikely due to the non-binding nature of European arrest warrants in the US and alleged personal approval of their admission by Donald Trump, reportedly overriding State Department objections.
444Trump Facilitates US Entry for Fugitive Polish Politicians Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro and his deputy Marcin Romanowski have fled to the United States, reportedly securing visas through direct intervention by Donald Trump. This move occurred despite active EU arrest warrants issued by Poland for embezzlement and abuse of office. Ziobro had previously sought refuge in Hungary, where Viktor Orbán granted him political asylum, claiming Poland’s judicial system under Prime Minister Donald Tusk was unfair. However, following the swearing-in of Hungary’s new Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who promised extradition, Ziobro escaped to Newark. The allegations involve misusing a state victim support fund as a slush fund for their political party, Solidarity Poland, amounting to approximately 35 million euros. Trump’s decision reportedly bypassed objections from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the US Ambassador to Poland. This development has caused significant diplomatic embarrassment for both the new Hungarian government and Poland’s administration, as extradition from the US under Trump appears unlikely. The incident highlights deepening political fractures within NATO allies regarding rule-of-law standards and political accountability.
DiePresse.com - HomePoland's Former Justice Minister Ziobro Flees to USA Without Passport
Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland's former Justice Minister and a key figure in the Law and Justice (PiS) party, has fled to the United States despite having his travel and diplomatic passports revoked by Polish authorities. Previously, Ziobro had sought refuge in Hungary to avoid prosecution for 26 charges, including embezzlement of state funds and abuse of power, which could result in a 25-year prison sentence. While in Budapest, he was granted political asylum under controversial legislation known as 'Lex Ziobro,' enacted by then-Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. However, following the inauguration of new Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who pledged to extradite fugitives, Ziobro allegedly used a Geneva refugee passport to secure a US visa, possibly as a journalist for TV Republika. His former deputy, Marcin Romanowski, also wanted on multiple charges, reportedly accompanied him to the US. Polish authorities have launched an investigation into their escape, while political leaders express confidence that the US, citing strong bilateral ties, will assist in their extradition.
Aktuell - FAZ.NETPoland's Ex-Justice Minister Ziobro Flees to US Amid Abuse of Power Investigation
Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland's former Justice Minister and Attorney General, has fled from Hungary to the United States while facing serious legal charges in his home country. The Polish state prosecutor accuses Ziobro of committing 26 crimes during his tenure from 2015 to 2023, including the alleged misappropriation of nearly 13 million euros from a state emergency aid fund. These funds were reportedly diverted to support his political party, Sovereign Poland, and finance media projects, alongside the purchase of Pegasus spyware used against opposition figures. After his parliamentary immunity was lifted, Ziobro was placed on a national wanted list in February 2026. Although he initially found refuge in Hungary under Viktor Orbán’s government, he has now relocated to the US. Reports suggest that his US visa was facilitated by Donald Trump’s inner circle, highlighting the geopolitical tensions between Poland’s current center-left government and the American MAGA movement. This move complicates ongoing efforts by Warsaw to secure an international arrest warrant, as Ziobro remains a significant political figure with potential future influence in Polish politics.
taz.de - taz.deWanted Polish Ex-Minister Ziobro Evades Prosecution with Trump's Help
Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland’s former Minister of Justice under the Law and Justice (PiS) party, has successfully avoided prosecution for corruption and illegal surveillance by fleeing to the United States. Initially granted controversial political asylum in Hungary by Viktor Orbán, Ziobro was forced to leave after Péter Magyar’s new government promised extradition. Reports indicate that Ziobro, whose Polish passport had been revoked, secured a journalist visa for the US through connections with the pro-PiS media outlet TV Republika and direct intervention by President Donald Trump. Despite objections from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Trump allegedly approved the visa to maintain PiS as a loyal European ally amid shifting political dynamics. Ziobro faces up to 25 years in prison for 26 alleged crimes, including misusing public funds for political support and authorizing Pegasus spyware use against nearly 600 opponents, including judges and activists. His escape highlights ongoing tensions between Poland’s current government and former PiS officials, as well as the influence of international political alliances in shielding individuals from legal accountability.
Nieuws, achtergronden en onderzoeksjournalistiek - NRCPoland’s Ex-Justice Minister Ziobro Travels from Hungary to US Amid Prosecution
Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland’s former justice minister and a key figure in the previous Law and Justice government, has traveled from Hungary to the United States. Ziobro, who is sought in Poland for alleged abuse of power, announced his arrival via a right-wing broadcaster, stating he used documents granted with his asylum status in Hungary. This move has prompted Polish prosecutors to investigate whether he received assistance in evading legal liability. Ziobro faces charges including the misuse of funds intended for violence victims, allegedly to purchase Israeli Pegasus surveillance software. His departure coincides with the political transition in Hungary, where Viktor Orban’s successor, Peter Magyar, was inaugurated. The current Polish government, led by Prime Minister Donald Tusk, has been attempting to reverse judicial reforms implemented by Ziobro’s administration between 2015 and 2023. However, these efforts have faced obstacles from presidents aligned with the nationalist right. The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding judicial independence and political accountability in Poland, as well as the shifting diplomatic dynamics within Central Europe following recent electoral changes in Hungary.
News - South China Morning PostPoland's Ex-Minister Ziobro Flees to US Amid Corruption Allegations
Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland’s former justice minister and a polarizing figure in European politics, has reportedly fled to the United States to evade prosecution in Warsaw. For years, Ziobro found sanctuary in Hungary under Viktor Orbán’s government, which protected him from Polish authorities. However, following Orbán’s electoral defeat and the installation of a new government led by Péter Magyar, Ziobro escaped to America despite having his travel documents invalidated. This development has caused significant diplomatic embarrassment for Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who had anticipated Ziobro’s return to face justice now that Hungary is seeking to repair relations with the EU. Ziobro faces 26 charges, including abuse of power and misuse of public funds, which he claims are politically motivated. The incident highlights the fracturing of nationalist alliances in Europe and presents a complex diplomatic challenge for the US, which must now handle an extradition request involving a high-profile political figure claiming persecution. The case underscores the transient nature of political protection networks among right-wing populists.
https://eutoday.netFormer Polish Minister Ziobro Flees to US Ahead of Extradition from Hungary
Zbigniew Ziobro, the former Polish justice minister and prominent Law and Justice (PiS) party figure, has fled to the United States just days before Hungary’s new government could extradite him to Poland. Ziobro, who had been granted de facto asylum under Viktor Orbán’s administration, was confirmed to be in the US after appearing on a live broadcast from New Jersey. Reports indicate he was spotted at Newark Liberty International Airport, with some sources alleging that former US President Donald Trump facilitated his visa. His escape coincides with the inauguration of Péter Magyar’s TISZA government in Hungary, which had pledged to hand Ziobro over to Warsaw authorities. In Poland, Ziobro faces severe charges, including leading a criminal organization and embezzling approximately 35 million euros from the Justice Fund, potentially carrying a 25-year sentence. He denies the allegations, claiming political retaliation. Meanwhile, the whereabouts of his former deputy, Marcin Romanowski, remain unknown, though an European arrest warrant complicates his potential travel. This development marks a significant diplomatic and legal shift following Hungary’s recent parliamentary elections.
Hungary TodayZiobro Flees to US Seeking Trump's Protection After Losing Hungarian Asylum
Former Polish Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro has fled Hungary for the United States, seeking protection from Donald Trump after losing political asylum under Hungary’s new leadership. Previously shielded by Viktor Orbán, Ziobro faced imminent extradition following Péter Magyar’s inauguration as Hungary’s Prime Minister, who pledged cooperation with Polish justice. Ziobro, wanted in Poland on 26 charges including abuse of power and leading a criminal network, reportedly entered the US despite lacking a valid passport, allegedly through a visa granted personally by Trump. This move creates a diplomatic dilemma for Warsaw, which must now determine if it can request extradition from the US. The situation highlights tensions between Poland’s current liberal government and conservative allies abroad. Ziobro, a key figure in the previous Law and Justice party administration, had dismantled judicial independence during his tenure. His escape underscores the ongoing political fallout from Poland’s 2023 government change and the shifting alliances within right-wing populist networks involving Orbán and Trump.
DN.se - Dagens NyheterPoland Seeks Answers After Fugitive Ex-Minister Ziobro Flees Hungary for US
Poland has announced it will seek explanations from both Hungary and the United States regarding how former Justice Minister Zbigniew Ziobro, who is wanted on abuse of power charges, managed to travel from Budapest to the US. A Polish foreign ministry spokesperson stated that Warsaw aims to understand the legal and factual basis for Ziobro's departure, specifically questioning which documents allowed him to cross borders despite having his passport stripped. Ziobro, a key figure in the previous Law and Justice (PiS) government, had been granted asylum in Hungary by Prime Minister Viktor Orban. His move to the US thwarts Warsaw's hopes of bringing him to trial following the recent electoral defeat of Orban's ally. Ziobro confirmed his presence in the US via a nationalist broadcaster, stating he would work as a political commentator. He faces 26 charges related to the alleged misuse of funds intended for crime victims. The incident raises diplomatic questions, though Poland expressed hope that it would not damage its strong relations with the United States. Neither the US embassy in Warsaw nor the Hungarian foreign ministry immediately commented on the situation.
The Straits Times World NewsPoland's Former Minister Ziobro Flees Hungary for USA Amid Corruption Charges
Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland's former Justice Minister and a prominent member of the right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party, has fled from Hungary to the United States. He is currently under investigation by Poland's Public Prosecutor’s Office on 26 criminal charges, including suspicion of embezzling approximately 35 million euros and membership in a criminal organization. If convicted, Ziobro faces up to 25 years in prison. He previously sought political asylum in Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban but left after Hungary's new Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, declared that the country would no longer shield internationally wanted criminals. Polish authorities have invalidated Ziobro's passport and announced plans to request extradition from the US, while also seeking explanations from both Hungary and the US regarding his travel without valid documents. Ziobro denies the allegations, labeling them politically motivated persecution, and stated he is unafraid of US legal proceedings, expressing confidence in the independence of American courts. This development threatens to strain diplomatic relations between Poland, Hungary, and the USA.
DiePresse.com - HomePolish Ex-Minister Ziobro Flees Hungary to US Amid Criminal Charges
Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland’s former justice minister, has confirmed his arrival in the United States after fleeing Hungary. This move follows a declaration by Hungary’s new Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, that the country would no longer protect individuals wanted by other nations. Ziobro faces severe criminal charges in Poland, including leading an organized criminal enterprise, abuse of power, and misusing funds to purchase Pegasus spyware for political surveillance. He denies these allegations, characterizing them as a politically motivated witch-hunt by Poland’s current centrist government. Although his Polish and diplomatic passports were reportedly revoked, Ziobro allegedly entered the US using a journalist visa linked to the right-wing broadcaster Republika, which has hired him as a commentator. Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek stated that authorities will question the legal basis of Ziobro’s entry into the US and seek his extradition. Ziobro expressed willingness to face American courts, noting the complexity of extradition procedures. The incident highlights ongoing political tensions between Poland’s current administration and conservative figures from the previous Law and Justice party era.
The GuardianPolish Fugitive Minister Ziobro Flees to US After Orban's Defeat
Zbigniew Ziobro, the former Polish justice minister who had been granted asylum in Hungary during Viktor Orban’s tenure as prime minister, has fled to the United States following Orban’s recent election defeat. According to a report by Gazeta Wyborcza, Ziobro and his wife, Patrycja Kotecka, arrived in the U.S. after President Donald Trump personally intervened to approve their visas. This high-level intervention reportedly occurred despite opposition from Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to Poland Tom Rose. Ziobro confirmed his arrival in an interview with TV Republika, stating he had reached the United States the previous day. The move highlights the shifting political landscape in Central Europe and the complex diplomatic interactions involving the U.S. administration. The departure marks a significant development for the Polish fugitive, who sought refuge in Hungary but was forced to relocate due to the change in Hungarian leadership. The involvement of President Trump underscores the personal nature of the visa approval process in this specific case, bypassing standard diplomatic channels and facing internal resistance within the U.S. State Department.
Latest articles - The Japan TimesPoland's Ex-Justice Minister Ziobro Flees to US After Losing Asylum in Hungary
Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland’s former justice minister and a prominent member of the right-conservative PiS party, has traveled to the United States after losing political asylum in Hungary. This move follows a change in power in Hungary, where new Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced that the country would no longer protect Ziobro or his former deputy, Marcin Romanowski. In Poland, Ziobro is wanted on an arrest warrant involving 26 criminal charges, including allegations of establishing a criminal organization and embezzling approximately 35 million euros. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison. The Polish government has declared his passport invalid and plans to submit an extradition request to the US. Justice Minister Waldemar Zurek intends to inquire about the legal basis for Ziobro’s departure from Hungary and entry into the US without valid documents. Ziobro denies the charges, labeling them preposterous and politically motivated, while expressing confidence in the independence of the American judicial system. This incident risks straining diplomatic relations between Poland, Hungary, and the United States.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenFormer Polish Justice Minister Ziobro Confirms Presence in US Amid Extradition Threats
Zbigniew Ziobro, the former Polish Minister of Justice and Prosecutor General, has confirmed his presence in the United States after previously seeking refuge in Hungary. Facing up to 25 years in prison for alleged embezzlement of funds intended for crime victims to purchase Pegasus spyware, Ziobro denies the charges, labeling them a political witch hunt by Poland's current centrist government. His arrival in the US follows a policy shift in Hungary, where new Prime Minister Péter Magyar vowed to stop harboring individuals wanted by international justice. Polish authorities, noting that Ziobro’s passports were revoked, have announced plans to request clarification from the US and Hungary regarding his entry and intend to seek his extradition. Ziobro stated he is willing to appear before an independent American court if extradition proceedings are initiated. This development highlights ongoing tensions regarding the rule of law in Poland and international legal cooperation.
Le SoirPoland's Former Justice Minister Ziobro Arrives in US After Trump reportedly Approves Visa
Zbigniew Ziobro, the former Justice Minister of Poland and a prominent figure in the Law and Justice (PiS) party, has arrived in the United States after living in exile in Hungary. Ziobro confirmed his presence in the US on Sunday evening, following reports that President Donald Trump personally approved his visa application. This decision allegedly occurred despite opposition from senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and the US Ambassador to Poland. Ziobro faces twenty-six charges in Poland, including embezzlement of public funds and abuse of power. In response to his arrival, current Polish Justice Minister Waldemar Żurek announced that Warsaw would request Ziobro's extradition from the US. Additionally, Poland seeks explanations from both the US and Hungary regarding the legal basis for Ziobro's travel, as his Polish diplomatic passport had been invalidated. The incident highlights significant diplomatic tensions between the current Polish government and the US administration, as well as ongoing friction with Hungary, which had previously granted Ziobro political asylum.
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