Błażej Spychalski, the former spokesman for President Andrzej Duda, was detained by the Central Anticorruption Bureau (CBA) in February 2025. He now faces several serious charges, including the giving of bribes to obtain fraudulent diplomas and the use of a diploma that “certifies untruth.”
According to the indictment, Spychalski allegedly secured two degrees from Collegium Humanum: a general MBA and an MBA in agribusiness management. Investigators suspect the agribusiness degree may have been specifically intended to facilitate the purchase of agricultural land.
Evidence of Academic Fraud
Testimony from Collegium Humanum rector Paweł Cz. Suggests that Spychalski was introduced to the university by two individuals, including Józef H., the former chief commander of the Railway Protection Guard. The rector claimed the presidential minister was to receive his diploma “immediately.”
Investigators discovered that while the contract between the politician and the university was dated February 28, 2019, it was backdated. Tuition payments were not received until October, and the student account was not created until November of that year.
Further evidence includes an exam result document for Spychalski. Rather than a grade or a point score, the document listed the name of the recruiter who introduced Spychalski to the rector.
Allegations of Influence Peddling
The probe also examines whether Spychalski used his position to secure supervisory board roles for his wife. He reportedly contacted Paweł O., then vice president of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), to arrange a position for her within a PGZ subsidiary.
CBA wiretaps from June 2021 recorded conversations between Spychalski and Paweł O. Although the Ministry of State Assets and Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki reportedly became aware of the situation, Spychalski’s wife eventually joined the supervisory board of the Military Central Construction and Technical Bureau. She was removed from this position after one month.
Following contact between Spychalski and Jakub Chełstowski, the marshal of the Silesian Voivodeship, the former spokesman’s wife later secured a position on the supervisory board of a hospital in Zabrze.
Defense and Legal Standing
During interrogations, Błażej Spychalski denied the charges. While he admitted to knowing rector Paweł Cz., he claimed they met during the pandemic, contradicting system records that place him at the university in 2019.
Regarding his academic requirements, Spychalski told investigators, “I probably passed the exam, since I have a diploma.” On the matter of his wife’s studies, he claimed recruiters suggested she be exempt from fees and that he merely delivered documents she had filled out herself.
Potential Next Steps
The case could lead to further scrutiny of other individuals who obtained degrees from Collegium Humanum. Legal proceedings may also examine whether the promised “bribes”—which included tuition and promises to help appoint Paweł Cz. To the presidential National Development Council—constitute a broader pattern of corruption.
the judiciary will further investigate the specific mechanisms used to duplicate diploma numbers and the role of recruiters in bypassing academic standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary charges against Błażej Spychalski?
He is charged with giving bribes for fraudulent diplomas, using a diploma that “certifies untruth,” and arranging supervisory board positions for his wife.
What evidence exists that the diplomas were fake?
Evidence includes backdated contracts, a lack of study records for his wife, a diploma number shared with another student, and an exam result sheet that listed a recruiter’s name instead of a grade.
Which positions did Spychalski’s wife hold?
She served for one month on the supervisory board of the Military Central Construction and Technical Bureau and later joined the supervisory board of a hospital in Zabrze.
Do you believe academic credentials should be independently verified for all public officials?
