The number of foreign nationals suspected of committing crimes in Poland is rising. Police statistics are unequivocal. Last year, the figure exceeded 17,500 individuals, approximately one thousand more than the year before. The largest groups were citizens of Ukraine, Georgia, and Belarus.
In 2023, the police detained 3,949 intoxicated foreign drivers. This was the most frequently recorded category of offense. Although this represented a decrease of 265 individuals compared with the previous year, there was at the same time a marked increase in the number of drivers operating vehicles despite a court-imposed driving ban. According to the data, such cases rose from 978 to 1,236. Additionally, 350 individuals drove despite having their driving privileges revoked, representing a 50 percent increase.
An increasing number of fraud cases
According to data cited by Rzeczpospolita, there has been a noticeable rise in drug-related offenses. In 2023, 2,158 individuals were charged, primarily with possession of narcotics, an increase of 259 compared with the previous year.
While the decline in the number of suspects for theft and burglary is a positive development, there has been a sharp increase in those accused of fraud. The statistics show a jump from 676 to 996 individuals. The police indicate that online fraud played a significant role. Three-quarters of the foreign nationals accused of fraud were citizens of Ukraine.
Ukrainians constitute the largest group
Ukrainian citizens remain the largest group of foreign nationals suspected of crimes. The statistics list 10,602 individuals, marking a year-on-year increase of 849. They are followed by Georgians (1,780 suspects, down by 275) and Belarusians (1,032 individuals, down by 90).