Poland’s Minister of Digitalisation, Krzysztof Gawkowski, has accused Russia of attempting to recruit Polish citizens via the darknet to interfere in the country’s ongoing presidential election campaign. Speaking to Reuters, Gawkowski highlighted the emerging threat as part of Russia’s broader strategy to influence political processes in Europe.
Recruitment Through the Darknet
According to Gawkowski, Russian intelligence agencies, including the GRU and FSB, are using the darknet—a hidden part of the internet accessible only through specialised browsers—to identify and recruit individuals willing to promote disinformation within Poland. The recruits are reportedly being offered between €3,000 and €4,000 to disseminate false or manipulative content aimed at undermining the integrity of the electoral process.
“We have been observing these attempts since the beginning of the year,” Gawkowski stated. “This is money directed by Russian intelligence services, which are seeking collaborators to spread their content.”
Rising Concerns Over Cybersecurity
These revelations come amid heightened concerns over cybersecurity in Poland. Last summer, the Polish government allocated over 3 billion zloty (€670 million) to bolster its cyber defence systems following a cyberattack on the Polish Press Agency (PAP). The attack, widely attributed to Russian hackers, underscored the vulnerability of critical infrastructure and the growing sophistication of cyber threats.
In response to the PAP attack, Poland’s Minister of Defence warned of the likelihood of further incidents, urging institutions and businesses to strengthen their preparedness against similar disruptions.
Broader Implications
The alleged Russian activities highlight the continued use of hybrid tactics to destabilise democratic systems in Europe. Disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, and covert recruitment efforts have become hallmarks of modern asymmetric warfare, with elections often serving as key targets.
Poland’s presidential election, scheduled for later this year, is a critical moment in the country’s political calendar, with significant implications for its domestic and foreign policy direction. Russia’s alleged interference attempts are likely aimed at exploiting divisions within Polish society and influencing public opinion to weaken Western alliances.
Government Response
Polish authorities have pledged to intensify monitoring and countermeasures to safeguard the electoral process. Gawkowski emphasised the importance of public awareness in combating disinformation and called on citizens to be vigilant against efforts to manipulate information online.
As Poland prepares for its presidential election, the government’s focus on cybersecurity and counter-disinformation measures will remain a critical component of ensuring the integrity of the democratic process.
