Investigation Sparks Threats: Grzegorz Rzeczkowski’s Stand Against Russian Influence

Grzegorz Rzeczkowski, a respected investigative journalist in Poland, has become the target of threats due to his reporting on suspected Russian influence in Polish politics and business. According to Reporters Without Borders, Warsaw prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into acts of intimidation against Rzeczkowski following the arrival of menacing messages and phone calls warning him to cease his exposés. The situation escalated to the point that Poland’s Interior Minister intervened, directing intelligence and police services to ensure his protection, signaling official alarm over the threats he faced.

Rzeczkowski’s reporting has focused on ties between high-level Polish politicians, Russian oligarchs, and mafia-linked individuals—work that earned him both prestigious investigations and violent reactions. In response, RSF and other media freedom advocates are demanding swift action from law enforcement, urging formal recognition of the threats and immediate protective measures. They warn that without robust safeguards, such harassment could silence critical journalism and embolden foreign interference.

This case highlights the increasingly dangerous climate for journalists in Poland who dare to confront powerful domestic or international interests. Rzeczkowski’s experience reflects a broader pattern where investigative reporters are met not with institutional support but with intimidation aimed at reversing their inquiries. RSF maintains that ensuring his safety is not just an individual matter, but a litmus test for the country’s commitment to press freedom and democratic resilience.

As the criminal inquiry unfolds, the stakes remain high: a failure to effectively respond to these threats could embolden foreign actors seeking to influence democratic processes through fear. Conversely, a robust and transparent defense of Rzeczkowski could send a powerful message—that Poland stands firm in protecting those who hold power to account.