Some minors allegedly helped distribute the software; further arrests are planned Polish police have detained 21 people, including 13 minors, in an operation targeting the suspected distribution of a counterfeit version of Poland’s official digital identity app, mObywatel. The official app allows users to access digital identity documents and public services through their smartphones. Poland’s Central Cybercrime Bureau (CBZC) announced on Tuesday that it had carried out 27 searches as part of the investigation. Investigators uncovered evidence concerning software distributed online that allowed users to generate fake digital identity documents containing fictitious personal information. Police seized over 30 electronic devices and uncovered online correspondence and records of financial transactions. Authorities said the minors confirmed purchasing the counterfeit software, while some allegedly helped the main suspects advertise and distribute it online. Some also allegedly helped administer the website used to promote the application and shared the software script with acquaintances. The minors’ cases were referred to the local family courts, while the adult suspects were charged with participation in an organized criminal group, unlawful production, acquisition, sale or distribution of computer software, and document forgery. Writing on the social media platform X, Marcin Kierwiński, Poland’s interior minister, said further arrests would follow.
Over 30 electronic devices were also seized, including records of financial transactions. (Illustration: PAP)
