The investigations focus on the substantial Justice Fund, which Romanowski oversaw during his tenure from 2019 to December 2023.
The subject of the investigation is examination of the misuse of funds meant for public interest, resulting in financial benefits for certain entities and beneficiaries unrelated to the stated objectives of the fund.
The charges against Romanowski include participation in organized crime and manipulating official tenders.
National Public Prosecutor’s Office spokesman Przemysław Nowak confirmed on Tuesday that Romanowski had been taken into custody a day earlier by order of the investigating prosecutor, following an extensive investigation into irregularities involving the Justice Fund.
Nowak said that Romanowski, who denied the charges, provided detailed explanations.
Romanowski faces 11 charges including exceeding his powers and causing damage to the State Treasury for personal and financial gain.
Despite his denial of the allegations, prosecutors moved to request temporary detention citing concerns that, if not detained, Romanowski might tamper with the ongoing proceedings.
The court has 24 hours to decide on the prosecution's request for his temporary detention.
Nowak emphasized the critical role of the court in managing the proceedings, saying that "the court is the host of this process."
The matter of Romanowski’s parliamentary privilege also surfaced, following his recent loss of immunity, which allowed the prosecution to proceed.
His lawyer, Bartosz Lewandowski, argued that this stripping of immunity is unlawful and therefore renders his detention illegal.
Lewandowski announced a complaint to the Council of Europe regarding the actions of the Polish judiciary and security services.
This arrest follows the revocation of immunity for Romanowski by the Sejm, the lower house of the Polish parliament, on Friday.
Romanowski's arrest is part of a broader scrutiny of the former administration's practices, under which prosecutors allege numerous instances of abuse of office and mismanagement of public funds.
(rt/gs)
Sources: IAR, PAP