Military Counterintelligence Service

The Military Counterintelligence Service (SKW) is a Polish special service established on October 1, 2006, responsible for protecting against internal threats to the defense and security of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland. The SKW was created following the dissolution of the Military Information Services, and its operations are governed by several key legislative acts. The service consists of soldiers, officers, and civilian employees, with its structure including numerous departments and inspectorates located in various cities across Poland. The SKW's budget for 2023 amounts to over 481 million złoty. In terms of its activities, the SKW focuses on counterintelligence, threat identification, and the detection of crimes that could impact national security. Its officers have broad powers, including the ability to conduct operational surveillance after obtaining approval from relevant authorities. The service is subordinate to the Ministry of National Defense, and its operations are overseen by both state institutions and parliamentary bodies. The history of the SKW has been marked by controversies, including instances of lack of transparency and disciplinary actions against its officers. Incidents such as officers posting photos on social media have raised questions about the service's professionalism. Despite significant operational achievements, such as preventing terrorist incidents and neutralizing explosives, in-depth analyses indicate a need for improvements in transparency and accountability. An interesting fact is that the SKW has refused to disclose public information regarding the number of operational surveillance activities conducted, leading to court interventions advocating for greater transparency in its operations.