Poland Exposes Russian Darknet Recruitment Drive for Election Disinformation Campaign
Warsaw, Poland – Senior Polish officials have revealed a disturbing new development in the ongoing struggle against foreign interference in democratic processes. Russia, according to Digital Affairs Minister Krzysztof Gawkowski, is actively recruiting Polish citizens through the darknet to participate in a disinformation campaign ahead of the country’s presidential election in May. This revelation comes amidst growing concerns about Moscow’s attempts to destabilize democratic institutions across Europe, particularly in nations offering strong support to Ukraine.
The recruitment drive, allegedly orchestrated by Russian intelligence agencies including the GRU and FSB, involves enticing individuals with financial incentives ranging from $3,130 to $4,170 to spread disinformation online. Minister Gawkowski issued a stern warning, emphasizing that anyone collaborating with Russian intelligence in this endeavor would face severe consequences, including prosecution for treason, espionage, and other related crimes. This underscores the gravity with which Poland views such interference and its commitment to preserving the integrity of its electoral process.
Polish authorities have been diligently monitoring Russian influence operations for several months, observing an escalation of malicious activity that began during the 2024 local and European Parliament elections. This sustained effort highlights Poland’s proactive approach to countering disinformation campaigns and safeguarding its democratic institutions. Earlier in January, the government uncovered a Russia-linked disinformation network recruiting individuals to sow discord within the Polish political landscape. While details about this specific network remain limited, its discovery further emphasizes the multifaceted nature of the threat posed by foreign interference.
Minister Gawkowski has declared the fight against disinformation and securing the upcoming elections as the government’s top priority. He emphasized the fundamental importance of conducting safe and transparent elections for the stability of the state system. In line with this commitment, Poland is implementing a comprehensive election protection program, set to launch in February. This program aims to fortify electoral systems against cyberattacks targeting electoral infrastructure and to counter the spread of disinformation.
Poland’s staunch support for Ukraine, including substantial military aid and its role as a haven for Ukrainian refugees, has made it a prime target for pro-Russian cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. Minister Gawkowski has publicly acknowledged this, stating that Poland is currently the most attacked country in the European Union in terms of cyberspace incidents. This assessment underscores the geopolitical context of these influence operations and the heightened vulnerability of nations actively supporting Ukraine.
The allegations against Russia extend beyond Poland and reflect a broader pattern of interference across Eastern Europe. In December, Romania’s constitutional court annulled the first round of its presidential election after declassified intelligence revealed Russian influence on the results. Similarly, a network of Russia-linked websites spreading disinformation was identified in Germany ahead of its February national election. These incidents underscore the widespread nature of the challenge and the need for a coordinated European response. The European Parliament has called for intensified efforts to combat Russian disinformation and expanded sanctions against implicated media outlets. This reflects a growing recognition of the threat posed by disinformation campaigns to democratic processes and societal cohesion. While Russia consistently denies involvement in such activities, the mounting evidence suggests a deliberate strategy to undermine democratic institutions and sow discord within European nations. The ongoing struggle against disinformation highlights the critical need for vigilance, international cooperation, and robust measures to protect the integrity of democratic processes in the face of foreign interference. Poland’s proactive approach and commitment to securing its electoral system serves as a model for other nations grappling with similar threats.