Zbigniew Ziobro, Poland’s former justice minister, has reportedly left Hungary for the United States while facing multiple criminal charges in Poland, according to local media reports.
Ziobro, who was granted asylum in Hungary under the government of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán last year, is wanted by Polish authorities over allegations including abuse of power, leading an organised criminal group, and misappropriating public funds intended for crime victims.
He is also accused by prosecutors of authorising the purchase of the Israeli Pegasus spyware, allegedly used to monitor political opponents during his tenure in office. If convicted, he could face up to 25 years in prison.
The latest reports emerged shortly after Hungary’s new Prime Minister, Peter Magyar, announced a stricter stance on foreign fugitives, declaring that Hungary would no longer serve as “a dumping ground for internationally wanted criminals.”
Magyar specifically referenced Ziobro and former deputy justice minister Marcin Romanowski, who is also wanted in Poland over allegations of embezzlement involving nearly €40 million.
Polish broadcaster Republika reported that Ziobro had travelled to the United States, while TVN24 published a photograph allegedly showing him at Newark Liberty International Airport.
The development has raised questions, as Polish authorities previously stated that Ziobro’s travel documents, including his diplomatic passport, had been revoked. The national prosecutor’s office said it had no confirmed evidence that he had officially left the Schengen Area and that investigations were ongoing.
Poland’s Justice Minister, Waldemar Żurek, said authorities would seek Ziobro’s extradition if his presence in the United States is confirmed.
“If it is confirmed that Ziobro is in the USA, then Poland will request his extradition,” he said.
He added that Polish authorities would engage both the United States and Hungary to clarify how Ziobro was able to travel despite reportedly lacking valid documents.
Ziobro, a former leader of the right-wing Sovereign Poland party and coalition partner of the Law and Justice party, served as Poland’s justice minister and attorney general between 2015 and 2023.
He is closely associated with controversial judicial reforms that triggered prolonged disputes between Poland and the European Commission.
Ziobro has denied all allegations against him, insisting the case is politically motivated and aimed at targeting conservative politicians.