Polish prosecutors have charged Roman Ż. in connection with the criminal investigation into cryptocurrency exchange Zondacrypto, making him the fifth publicly identified suspect in the widening case.

Roman Ż. was detained on September 5 and subsequently presented with two criminal charges, according to Poland's National Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutors accuse him of participating in an organized criminal group and misappropriating PLN 7.8 million in funds belonging to users of the exchange — an amount estimated at about $2.1 million.

Investigators allege that members of the suspected group unlawfully manipulated computer records in order to obtain financial benefits from assets entrusted to the cryptocurrency platform. According to prosecutors, the suspected activity involved altering, deleting and adding digital records associated with customer funds.

Roman Ż. has pleaded not guilty. He also provided explanations during questioning, although prosecutors have not publicly disclosed their contents or specified the precise role they allege he played in the suspected organization.

The case is one of the largest criminal proceedings involving a cryptocurrency platform in Poland, a country that has become a significant European hub for digital asset trading and where exchanges like Zondacrypto operate under anti-money-laundering oversight.

Zondacrypto Investigation Seeks Pre-Trial Detention

Following the charges, prosecutors asked the Katowice Wschód District Court to order Roman Ż.'s pre-trial detention.

The prosecution cited several factors in support of the request, including the potential severity of the punishment, concerns that the investigation could be obstructed, and the possibility that the suspect could attempt to flee.

The offenses with which Roman Ż. has been charged carry maximum prison sentences of 10 years. The allegations remain subject to the criminal proceedings, and prosecutors must establish them with evidence. Roman Ż. retains the right to contest the accusations against him.

His case follows charges against four other individuals publicly linked to the broader Zondacrypto investigation. Authorities charged Radosław P. in late August, while Anna P., Jaromira W. and Rafał Z. were charged in September.

Reported Losses Reach at Least PLN 350 Million

The investigation has expanded beyond the allegations against individual suspects as authorities continue assessing reported losses among Zondacrypto users.

Prosecutors estimate that losses associated with the exchange have reached at least PLN 350 million, equivalent to approximately $94 million. Authorities have stressed that the figure could increase as additional alleged victims come forward with complaints and supporting documentation.

More than 3,600 crime reports have been submitted by people who say they suffered losses connected with the cryptocurrency exchange.

The volume of complaints leaves investigators with a substantial body of information to examine. Authorities must assess individual reports, trace relevant transactions and determine how customer assets were allegedly lost or misappropriated.

Digital Records Could Be Central to the Case

Computer and other digital evidence is expected to play an important role as prosecutors attempt to establish the suspected financial activity and determine the involvement of individual defendants.

A key issue for investigators is whether unauthorized changes to digital records facilitated access to, transfers of, or the alleged misappropriation of customer assets. Establishing a connection between altered records and specific financial transactions could also be important in determining the alleged responsibilities of individual suspects.

The emphasis on manipulated computer records reflects a broader challenge in crypto-related prosecutions: because exchange ledgers are internal records rather than public blockchain data alone, cases often hinge on forensic reconstruction of who altered platform data and when.

For now, the charges against Roman Ż. represent allegations rather than established findings of criminal liability. The investigation remains ongoing as Polish authorities review the growing number of reports and evidence linked to the Zondacrypto case.