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Polish student detained over suspected Christmas market attack plot

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on December 16, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 20, 2026

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WARSAW, Dec 16 (Reuters) - Polish security services have detained a student suspected of preparing a "mass attack" at a Christmas market, Jacek Dobrzynski, a spokesperson for Poland's special services

Polish Student Detained for Christmas Market Attack Plot

WARSAW, ‌Dec 16 (Reuters) - Polish security services have detained ‍a ‌student suspected of preparing a "mass attack" at ⁠a Christmas market, ‌Jacek Dobrzynski, a spokesperson for Poland's special services, said on Tuesday.

Mateusz W., a student at the ⁠Catholic University of Lublin, wanted to commit an attack using ​explosives and planned to join ‌a terrorist organization, he ⁠said.

"The aim of the crime was to intimidate many people and support the Islamic ​State. During the investigation, Internal Security Agency officers seized data carriers and items related to Islam," Dobrzynski wrote on platform ​X.

The ‍prosecutor's office charged ​Mateusz W. with "undertaking preparatory actions to carry out a terrorist attack that could have resulted in the death or serious injury of many people."

"Furthermore, he took steps to establish ⁠contact with a terrorist organization, including obtaining its support in carrying ​out the attack," the statement said.

Authorities did not immediately give further details about the suspect, who was placed in ‌detention for a preliminary period of three months.

(Reporting by Pawel Florkiewicz; Editing by Aidan Lewis)

Key Takeaways

  • Polish student detained for planning a Christmas market attack.
  • Suspect aimed to support the Islamic State.
  • Internal Security Agency seized data carriers related to Islam.
  • Mateusz W. charged with preparing a terrorist attack.
  • Suspect detained for three months pending investigation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is financial crime?
Financial crime refers to illegal acts committed for financial gain, including fraud, money laundering, and terrorist financing. It poses significant risks to the integrity of financial systems and economies.
What is Islamic finance?
Islamic finance is a financial system that operates in accordance with Islamic law (Sharia). It prohibits interest (riba) and promotes risk-sharing and ethical investments.

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