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Fugitive Polish minister flew to US from Italy, prosecutors say - Headlines news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
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Fugitive Polish minister flew to US from Italy, prosecutors say

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 20, 2026

1 min read

· Last updated: May 20, 2026

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Fugitive Polish Ex-Minister Ziobro Escapes to US from Milan Airport

Details of Ziobro's Escape and Legal Troubles

Background of the Case

WARSAW, May 20 (Reuters) - Fugitive former Polish justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro, who faces charges stemming mainly from his alleged misuse of money for political gain, flew to the United States from Milan airport on May 9, a spokesperson for Polish prosecutors said.

US Involvement in Ziobro's Escape

Reuters reported this week, quoting three people familiar with the matter, that U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau instructed senior State Department officials to facilitate and approve a visa for Ziobro, allowing him to flee to the United States from Hungary.

Reporting and Sources

(Reporting by Anna Wlodarczak-Semczuk)

Key Takeaways

  • Ziobro faces 26 criminal charges, including alleged diversion of funds from a crime‑victims’ Justice Fund to political ends and acquisition of Pegasus spyware, and had his parliamentary immunity lifted in late 2025. (occrp.org)
  • He fled Hungary—where he held asylum following Viktor Orbán’s administration—to the U.S. on May 9. Reports indicate U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau intervened to expedite a visa for Ziobro. (theguardian.com)
  • Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has denounced the visa decision as “outrageous”, signaling potential diplomatic strain between Poland and the U.S., and Warsaw expects the U.S. to honor extradition requests. (brusselssignal.eu)

References

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Polish minister accused of fleeing?
Former Polish justice minister Zbigniew Ziobro is the official accused of fleeing.
What charges does Zbigniew Ziobro face?
He faces charges mainly related to alleged misuse of money for political gain.
From where did Ziobro leave for the United States?
Zbigniew Ziobro reportedly flew from Milan airport in Italy to the United States.
Did U.S. officials assist Ziobro's entry?
Reports claim U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau instructed officials to facilitate Ziobro's visa.

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