Polish authorities detained Roman Zh. on Sept. 5, 2026, over his alleged involvement in the Zondacrypto cryptocurrency exchange case. Prosecutors charged him with two offenses and asked a court to place him in pretrial detention.

Prosecutors allege fraud and misappropriation

The first charge concerns alleged participation in an organized criminal group formed to commit computer fraud for financial gain and harm the exchange’s users. Investigators estimate the resulting losses at no less than 7.8 million zlotys, equivalent to about $2.1 million.

The second charge concerns the alleged misappropriation of property entrusted to the exchange. Prosecutors said the property consisted of funds invested by users and totaled 7.8 million zlotys.

According to the prosecutor’s office, Roman Zh. acted jointly and by prior agreement with other identified individuals as part of the alleged organized criminal group. The alleged conduct included unauthorized modification and deletion of computer data, the insertion of new data records, and interference with the exchange’s automated processing, collection and transmission of data.

Suspect denies wrongdoing

Roman Zh. pleaded not guilty but provided testimony to investigators. The prosecutor’s office said it considered his involvement fully established. He faces a prison sentence of up to 10 years if convicted.

Prosecutors filed a motion seeking his pretrial detention, arguing that the prospect of a severe sentence created a genuine risk of flight. They also cited concerns that he could interfere with the investigation and said the investigation’s findings strongly supported the likelihood of both flight and obstruction.

Investigation began in April

The Zondacrypto case became public in April 2026, when Polish prosecutors opened an investigation into the company on suspicion of fraud and money laundering. Poland also passed legislation regulating the cryptocurrency market against the backdrop of the case.

Source: Incrypted