The mayor of Wrocław has been detained in connection with the case involving Odessa teachers purchasing diplomas from a Warsaw university.

The Central Anti-Corruption Bureau of Poland (CBA) has detained the Mayor of Wrocław, Jacek Sutryk, in connection with a case involving the sale of diplomas at the private Warsaw University of Business and Applied Sciences (Collegium Humanum). This was reported by Polish media on Thursday, November 14, including RMF FM. Earlier in this case, three female lecturers from Odesa were detained for attempting to purchase 60 diplomas from the Warsaw institution.

“This morning, in connection with suspicions of crimes and violations at Collegium Humanum, CBA agents detained the Mayor of Wrocław on the order of the prosecutor. After completing procedural actions, he was taken to the local office of the National Prosecutor's Office in Katowice,” – reported on social media by Jacek Dobziński, spokesperson for the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs.

According to RMF FM journalist, the reason for Jacek Sutryk's detention was the suspected purchase of a diploma. The case is being investigated under an article concerning document forgery, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.

As noted by the Polish news site Money.pl, initially the Wrocław city hall did not comment on Jacek Sutryk's detention. However, around 3:00 PM they confirmed this information, stating that the mayor was detained in connection with ongoing violations at Collegium Humanum, which has been under investigation for several months. They also mentioned that during the mayor's absence, his duties would be carried out by his deputy.

“The Wrocław City Hall continues to operate and fulfill its daily tasks. In the event of the mayor's absence, decisions regarding the functioning of the city are made by the first deputy, that is, Deputy Mayor Renat Granowski,” – stated the Wrocław City Hall.

Polish journalists emphasize that Collegium Humanum is a private university that was founded in Warsaw but later established branches in other cities. The university's diplomas, among other things, allow graduates to apply for positions in government agencies. Alumni of Collegium Humanum include politicians, presidents, and members of the boards of Treasury companies, as well as military officers and leadership.

According to Polish media, Mayor Jacek Sutryk also holds a diploma from Collegium Humanum. During the campaign for the recent local government elections, Jacek Sutryk claimed that he indeed studied at the university and thus obtained his diploma. As proof, he published a receipt for tuition payment.

“I paid for my education out of my own pocket and also passed the exam,” – stated Jacek Sutryk.

According to the spokesperson for the Polish Ministry of Internal Affairs, law enforcement has currently detained 28 individuals in the case regarding the sale of diplomas at the private Warsaw university, with a total of 150 charges filed against them.

It is worth noting that at the end of October, the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau of Poland detained three female lecturers from Odesa who attempted to purchase 60 diplomas from the new university rector for $40,000.

Previously, the Central Anti-Corruption Bureau of Poland detained seven university leaders, including former rector Pavlo Chekh. They were involved in selling cheap diplomas in collaboration with universities that did not have the right to confer academic degrees. Reports indicated that the former university rector was placed in custody facing over 70 charges.