On Thursday, January 9, 2025, the Ministry of Defence announced the resignation of General Dyw. Artur Kępczyński, Head of the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate. This information caused surprise in military and political circles, and the laconic MON message did not explain the reasons for this decision. However, just a fewer hours later, shocking details about the reasons for the General's appeal came to light. As “Virtual Poland” reports, the key reason was the disappearance of respective twelve anti-tank mines and the effort to cover up the incident.
MON Communication: Change at summit
"We inform that on 9 January 2025 by decision of the Minister of National Defence, Chief of the Armed Forces Support Inspectorate, General Dyw. Artur Kępczyński was dismissed from office. At the same time, the temporary duties of chief of the Inspectorate were entrusted to Brig. Gen. Piotr Wagner" – specified a brief announcement was issued by the spokesperson of the MON, Janusz Seymej. However, this information did not dispel doubts about the reasons for specified a decisive step.
Missing mines: Dangerous cargo in uncontrolled circulation
According to the findings of “Virtual Poland”, the incidental occurred in the summertime of 2024 on the railway siding in Bridges close Szczecin. During the unloading of military transport, soldiers left a crucial number of anti-tank mines in the wagon by oversight. These dangerous loads, weighing between 8 and 15 kg and containing explosives, for any time moved through Poland by trains, without any control.
The case came to light under curiosity. According to the media, the military received a telephone enquiry from a 3rd organization who reported the mines left behind. Only then was the shortage in the military warehouse revealed. As it turned out, those liable for arms supervision attempted to conceal a compromising incidental by falsifying stock records.
Investigation in progress
"Currently, a full audit of all the circumstances of the case is being carried out" informs sources related to the military and the prosecution. The investigation is conducted by the Department of Military Prosecutors of Szczecin Niebushevo. The Ministry of Defence has not commented on these reports so far.
Armed Forces Support Inspectorate: Key tasks and responsibilities
The Inspectorate of Armed Forces Support, led by Gen. Kępczyński until recently, plays a key function in Poland's defence system. Its task is to organise and manage a strategy of logistical support for armed forces, to safe the logistical safety of soldiers residing outside the country and to cooperate with another authorities on defence matters. The inspectorate besides performs crucial tasks related to military participation in the fight against natural disasters and their consequences.
What's next with Gen. Kępczyński?
The resignation of General Artur Kępczyński is not only a consequence of the incident, but besides a signal that the Ministry of National Defence takes matters of safety and work in the military very seriously. This event may have far-reaching consequences, including changes in arms supervision procedures and fresh standards of military logistics management.
It is worth observing what steps MON will take and the results of the prosecution's investigation. 1 thing is certain – this issue sheds fresh light on the functioning and challenges facing the Polish army.
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We uncover the scenes of the resignation of General Kępczyński
