On March 6, the District Court in Warsaw decided to suspend Paweł Rubcow's espionage trial due to his absence from the country and the uncertainty of when he might return.
The judge, Paweł du Château, explained that the trial could not proceed without Rubcow's presence, as the law requires him to be present at least for the first hearing to provide his statement. The court also confirmed that Rubcow will not be pursued with an arrest warrant at this time.
According to Rzeczpospolita, Rubcow (vel Pablo González) is charged with a felony, meaning the trial can only begin if he is present at least for the first hearing.
The court did not decide to place him under temporary detention, which would have allowed for the issuance of an international arrest warrant and his potential detention in other countries.
Rubcow, who was released from Polish custody as part of a Western-Russian prisoner swap and left Poland in late July of last year, is accused of espionage on behalf of Russia's military intelligence (GRU).
His partner, Polish journalist Magdalena Ch., remains under investigation for allegedly aiding his espionage activities, according to Rzeczpospolita.
Screenshot from the online edition of the Polish daily "Rzeczpospolita," published on March 6, 2025.
What and whom Rubcow spied on for Putin, revealed by Gazeta Wyborcza
Rubcow is accused of gathering and transmitting sensitive information that could harm Poland and NATO. He faces up to 15 years in prison, although changes to the law in 2023 mean espionage convictions could now result in life imprisonment. Rubcow's partner, Magdalena Ch., is also suspected of aiding his espionage activities.
According to Gazeta Wyborcza, Rubcow, under the guise of a journalist, collected critical infrastructure data for Russia, including images of Poland's largest power plant, the Siekierki Power Plant in Warsaw.
The Russian spy also reportedly interacted with several individuals, including Belarusian opposition figures and the parents of Roman Protasiewicz.
Additionally, Rubcow is alleged to have had connections with a company dealing in military and police equipment, including devices to block surveillance.
After his arrest, Rubcow denied the charges. However, following his release in a prisoner exchange, he traveled to Russia, where he was welcomed by President Vladimir Putin.
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Source: Rzeczpospolita/Gazeta Wyborcza/IAR/PAP/X/@romanimielski