Polish Court Upholds Decision to Close Investigation into Farmer’s Death, Leaving Estate with Alleged Gangster
Gdańsk, Poland – A Polish court has upheld a controversial decision to close an investigation into the death of Stanisław W., a 77-year-old farmer from Kosakowo near Gdynia, whose substantial estate – valued at approximately 8 million złoty (roughly $2 million USD as of March 19, 2026) – has been inherited by Rajmund W., a man with a known history as a criminal. The ruling, delivered by the District Court in Gdańsk on Thursday, March 19, 2026, maintains the earlier decision by prosecutors to drop the case, citing a lack of evidence of criminal wrongdoing. The detailed reasoning behind the court’s decision is expected to be released within the next seven days, according to Mariusz Kaźmierczak, a spokesperson for the Gdańsk District Court’s criminal division. Radio Gdańsk reported the news, sparking renewed scrutiny of the case and raising questions about the fairness of the legal proceedings.
The case centers around the circumstances surrounding Stanisław W.’s death. His body was discovered at his home in Kosakowo on January 31, 2025, exhibiting signs of head trauma and a stab wound to the back of the neck. Even as an investigation was launched by the Puck District Prosecutor’s Office, it was ultimately closed on December 29, 2025, with prosecutors concluding that there was insufficient evidence to establish a criminal act. This decision has been met with skepticism, particularly given the subsequent transfer of the farmer’s considerable land holdings to his nephew, Rajmund W., also known as “Mundek,” who has a documented past linked to organized crime. The legal battle over the estate has been ongoing, adding another layer of complexity to the already sensitive situation.
A Disputed Inheritance and Allegations of Intimidation
The core of the dispute lies in a 7-hectare (approximately 17 acres) plot of land in Kosakowo and Kazimierz, valued at no less than 8 million złoty. According to land registry records, the ownership of this land is registered to Agnieszka W., the wife of Rajmund W. O2.pl reported that Stanisław W. Himself alleged, in a 2020 interview with the Polish Press Agency (PAP), that he was pressured into transferring a portion of his land to Rajmund W. In exchange for settling a debt. “He intimidated me so effectively that I agreed to transfer one plot of land in exchange for paying off the debt,” Stanisław W. Reportedly stated. Restrictions have been placed on the land registry, preventing its sale or transfer, further complicating the situation.
The transfer of ownership wasn’t straightforward. A previous court ruling concerning a 2011 donation agreement was overturned by the Supreme Court in February 2024, sending the case back to the Court of Appeal in Gdańsk. Despite this legal challenge, the land ultimately ended up in the possession of Rajmund W. And his wife through an agreement facilitated by notary Hanna W. In Gdynia. This sequence of events has fueled suspicions that Rajmund W. Exploited his position and past connections to acquire the valuable property, potentially through coercion or intimidation.
Legal Battles and the Ongoing Civil Case
The criminal investigation into Stanisław W.’s death was initially focused on the possibility of foul play, given the nature of his injuries. Still, forensic experts were unable to definitively determine whether his death was accidental or the result of intentional harm. This ambiguity appears to have played a role in the prosecutor’s decision to close the case. The Puck District Prosecutor’s Office, led by Prosecutor Jacek Chmielewski and Deputy Prosecutor Krzysztof Kobylarczyk, is responsible for the region encompassing Hel, Jastarnia, Puck and the municipalities of Kosakowo, Krokowa, Puck, and Władysławowo. Information about the Prosecutor’s Office in Puck can be found on the government website.
While the criminal investigation has been closed, the civil case concerning the ownership of the land remains ongoing. This legal battle will likely determine the ultimate fate of the 8 million złoty estate and could potentially shed further light on the circumstances surrounding Stanisław W.’s death. The decision to halt the criminal investigation has drawn criticism from those who believe that a more thorough examination of the evidence is warranted, particularly given the alleged history of intimidation and the involvement of a known criminal figure.
The Background of Rajmund W. And Concerns Over Due Process
Rajmund W., known as “Mundek,” has a documented history with the Polish criminal underworld. Details of his past offenses are currently limited in publicly available sources, but his reputation precedes him. The fact that a man with such a background has come into possession of a substantial estate following the death of its previous owner under suspicious circumstances has understandably raised concerns about due process and the potential for corruption. The case highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement and the judicial system in dealing with individuals with ties to organized crime, particularly when valuable assets are involved.
The lack of a detailed explanation for the decision to close the investigation, as noted by Mariusz Kaźmierczak, further fuels these concerns. The court has cited Article 98, paragraph 1 of the Code of Criminal Procedure as the reason for delaying the release of the written justification for its decision, stating that it will be prepared within the next seven days. This delay only adds to the public’s demand for transparency and accountability in this complex and sensitive case.
The situation underscores the importance of robust legal safeguards and independent investigations, especially when dealing with cases involving potential criminal activity and significant financial stakes. The outcome of the ongoing civil case, coupled with the eventual release of the court’s full justification for closing the criminal investigation, will be crucial in determining whether justice has been served in the death of Stanisław W. And the subsequent transfer of his estate.
Key Takeaways:
- A Polish court has upheld the decision to close the investigation into the death of farmer Stanisław W.
- His estate, valued at 8 million złoty, has been inherited by Rajmund W., a man with a criminal past.
- The case centers around a disputed land transfer and allegations of intimidation.
- A civil case regarding the ownership of the land is still ongoing.
- Concerns remain about due process and the potential for corruption.
The next step in this case will be the release of the detailed justification for the court’s decision within the next seven days. This document is expected to provide further insight into the reasoning behind the closure of the criminal investigation. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available. Readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and perspectives in the comments section below.