In the last decade, the number of foreign nationals suspected of committing crimes in Poland has increased three and a half times, and almost half of all migrant crime in the country is committed by Ukrainians.
Due to the war in Ukraine, hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian refugees have arrived in Poland. In recent years, many economic migrants have also appeared in Poland, including from Asia. However, apart from cheap labor, immigration also has its dark side: an increase in crime. The crimes committed by immigrants are primarily thefts and drunk driving, as well as the possession and supply of drugs.
“Within five months, from January to May, nearly 4,700 foreign nationals were charged with a crime,” Polish media reported recently, citing police data.
In the last decade, the number of foreigners suspected of committing crimes has increased three and a half times from 3,500 in 2013 to 12,400 last year.
Of the 4,695 foreign nationals suspected of committing crimes, 2,288 cases relate to Ukrainians. Georgian nationals are the second-most likely with 901, followed by Belarusians (277), Moldovans (228), and Russians (80).
The most common offense committed by foreign nationals is theft (1,156 cases) and drunk driving (1,109), with Ukrainians representing around 70 percent of all foreign nationals charged with drunk driving.
On the other hand, theft is particularly popular among Georgians, who often rob people withdrawing money from ATMs. Georgian gangs that “specialize” in robbing apartments and houses are also prevalent.
It should be noted that Ukrainians currently form the largest national minority in Poland. As a result of the war, there are currently 1.5 million Ukrainian nationals residing in the country, while there are just 22,000 Georgian nationals with a residence permit.
