Poland’s political arena was rocked on Friday after Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed alarming intelligence suggesting Russian involvement in the country’s unfolding cryptocurrency scandal. The disclosure came during a closed-door session of the Polish Sejm, where Tusk delivered a classified briefing on national security.
According to reporting from PAP, Tusk detailed alleged “Russian traces” connected to a major crypto-sector investigation, warning lawmakers that Moscow is exploiting digital currencies to fund sabotage operations across the European Union.
A Battle Over Crypto Regulation Intensifies
The controversy lands as the Sejm debates whether to override President Karol Nawrocki’s veto of a sweeping cryptocurrency regulation bill. The proposed law aims to strengthen oversight of Poland’s crypto markets and boost investor protections — measures Tusk insists are essential to counter hostile foreign financial networks.
Tusk has repeatedly criticized the president’s veto, arguing the bill addresses urgent national security vulnerabilities. During Friday’s session, he again emphasized the danger, pointing to intelligence linking Russian operatives to illicit financial flows in the region.
Defense Officials Demand Action
Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk also issued a stark warning, urging lawmakers to overturn the veto and give the government the tools it needs.
“We know how serious a threat these various Russian financial tracks can be,” Tomczyk said. “The state must have the instruments to control them.”
His remarks reflect growing concern within Poland’s security establishment that crypto platforms may be serving as conduits for covert Russian influence, espionage, or destabilization efforts.
Sejm Moves Into Open Debate
Following the secret briefing, lawmakers resumed the session in open format, shifting their focus back to the president’s veto. Whether the ruling coalition can marshal enough votes to overturn it remains unclear, but pressure is mounting amid Tusk’s explosive revelations.
The crypto scandal — and its potential Russian ties — has quickly become one of Poland’s most politically volatile issues, intertwining financial regulation, cybersecurity, and national defense.