A Board Member Like Zosia Samosia? That Is, a Manager as a Fugitive
The article discusses the challenges faced by managers in Poland, highlighting how easily prosecutors can press charges against them, leading to severe personal and professional consequences.
For many years, it has been known how effortlessly the prosecutor's office levies charges under Article 296 of the Polish Penal Code against managers, often accompanied by preventative measures that begin with a 6:00 AM visit, leading up to temporary detention, bail guarantees, police reporting requirements, and passport seizures. Those who endure years of prosecutorial and judicial proceedings often pay a steep price in terms of exclusion from professional life and personal costs. Recent events show no indication that the situation for these individuals will improve, as the ease with which the prosecutor's office can transform the lives of managers and their families into a nightmare continues to astound.
This situation arises from extremely simplified premises—the assumption of guilt falls on whoever signed the documents or simply held a position in management. For prosecutors, it does not matter how large or complex the organization is; a board member is expected to perform all tasks independently and replicate the work of subordinates and colleagues on the board. This perspective raises serious questions about accountability and fairness in the treatment of management in Poland, emphasizing a systemic issue within the legal proceedings against corporate figures. Without reform or reconsideration of the legal framework, many professionals will continue to face undue risks to their careers and livelihoods simply due to their roles in corporate governance.