Aleksander Gawronik arrested on suspicion of VAT fraud and corruption

Former communist secret service agent, former president of the infamous Art-B company, former senator, and at one time one of the richest men in Poland, Aleksander Gawronik, was arrested yesterday in Warsaw by police officers belonging to the Central Investigation Bureau. No official reason has yet been given for the arrest. However, it is believed that Gawronik is suspected of fraudulently obtaining VAT rebates from the state. He is also accused of forging documents relating to the sale of cigarettes to foreigners. Gawronik is suspected of performing the illegal operations through the Zarnowiec-based ItalmarCa company owned by Sejm deputy Marek Kolasinski. The former senator is also said to have contacts with the so-called Pruszkow mafia, one of the most powerful criminal gangs in Poland. At one time Gawronik, who is believed to owe the gang nearly DM 200,000, decided to turn to the police for help, promising to provide evidence against Pruszkow leaders "Bolo" and "Slowik", as well as Kolasinski. However, he continued to cooperate with the mafia. Gawronik has been taken to Katowice for further investigation. (Rzeczpospolita, pp.A1,A3, Zycie, pp.1,4,16) M.K.