Polish Olympic Committee President Arrested in Zondacrypto Investigation

Poland’s Justice Minister and Prosecutor General Waldemar Żurek confirmed on Aug. 27 that Radosław Piesiewicz, president of the Polish Olympic Committee, was taken into custody as part of the criminal probe into the failed crypto exchange Zondacrypto.

Charges and Allegations

Prosecutors have charged Piesiewicz under Articles 230 and 302 of the Polish criminal code for:

• Paid influence – allegedly offering his contacts to help Zondacrypto with the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection.
• Favoring a specific group of creditors – withdrawing his entire investment from the exchange while other customers could not access their funds.

Financial Links to Zondacrypto

The investigation focuses on a €40,000 Patek Philippe watch allegedly purchased for Piesiewicz by former Zondacrypto chief Przemysław Kral, as well as other benefits such as travel and event tickets. Piesiewicz denies receiving the watch as a gift and maintains he paid cash for it.

Sponsorship Ties

In 2025 Zondacrypto became the general sponsor of the Polish Olympic Committee, securing naming rights for the Olympic Center in Warsaw and promising crypto rewards for athletes at the 2026 Winter Games. The sponsorship brought the exchange into close contact with Piesiewicz and Kral.

Customer Losses and Ongoing Probe

Zondacrypto’s collapse left customers with estimated losses of at least 350 million zlotys (about $94 million). Authorities have secured more than 100 million zlotys that may be used for future compensation. The broader investigation, launched in April, also examines alleged fraud, money‑laundering, and the exchange’s handling of fiat and crypto assets.

Regulatory Context

The case coincides with Poland’s ongoing debate over the EU Markets in Crypto‑Assets Regulation (MiCA). The government has repeatedly vetoed a national crypto bill, citing the need for further adjustments to licensing and enforcement powers.