Ukrainian Citizen Deported After Theft Spree in Poland
Polish authorities have forcibly removed a 36-year-old Ukrainian woman from the country following a shoplifting incident at a shopping center. On May 6, security personnel at a mall in Poznań detained her on suspicion of stealing clothing and jewelry. The total value of the stolen goods exceeded 1,000 zloty—a threshold that classifies the act as a felony, since thefts above 800 zloty are considered criminal offenses under Polish law.
This marked the woman's third theft offense. In at least one of her previous incidents, the damages also surpassed the 800-zloty felony limit. Officers at the Wilda district police station requested her deportation from the Border Guard. As a result, border officials escorted the woman to the national border and handed her over to Ukrainian authorities.
Poland Tightens Deportation Practices for Foreign Offenders
Poland is increasingly enforcing deportations of foreign nationals who break the law. In December 2025, the country expelled nearly 180 foreign citizens, including 24 Ukrainians. The grounds for removal included:
- convictions for theft
- drug possession
- assault
Under the Border Guard's new policy, individuals convicted of specific crimes are deported immediately after serving their sentences. In January 2026, another Ukrainian woman was deported from Poland following a confrontation with a Russian-speaking interpreter during a police check.
This case highlights the Polish authorities' intensifying measures against foreign nationals who commit crimes within the country.
The actions of the Border Guard and police in these instances reflect Poland's commitment to maintaining public order and safety by responding to offenses committed by foreigners. It also aligns with a broader trend across European nations toward stricter immigration enforcement and crime control. Such policies are likely to have a significant impact on immigrant communities, particularly the Ukrainian diaspora living in Poland.