9,500 euros for “legalisation”: 11 detained in Collegium Humanum case

According to “Rzeczpospolita”, foreigners were sold a package for legalising their stay in Poland: fictitious studies, diplomas and formal employment at firms with no real activity, with ZUS and NFZ contributions paid for appearances. According to investigators, the scheme was linked to the universities Collegium Humanum and Pedagogium and operated from 2017 to September 2026, including after the arrest of Collegium Humanum's rector in February 2024.

On the strength of these documents, people applied for visas and legalisation; work permits were issued by firms that, according to investigators, actually did nothing. Clients include citizens of Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, India and China.

At the end of September the CBA and the Border Guard, together with the General Inspector of Financial Information, detained 11 people, six were arrested. Michał P., former director of the Collegium Humanum branch in Uzbekistan, and Radosław Z. are accused of creating and leading an organised group, the others of taking part in it.

Prosecutors believe the group may have forged at least 1,500 diplomas and earned more than 850,000 zloty from them, and at least 22.5 million zloty in all.