Poland bans Belarusian businessman over alleged Lukashenko regime ties
Poland has banned Belarusian businessman Valentin Bayko from entering the country, freezing his assets and adding him to the list of persona non grata. The decision, made in May 2023, also extends across the Schengen Zone after his details were entered into the Schengen Information System (SIS II). Authorities cited his alleged ties to the Lukashenko regime as the reason for the restrictions.
The entry ban was imposed on 29 May 2023 by Poland's interior minister, following a recommendation from the head of the Internal Security Agency (ABW). Officials concluded that Bayko's presence in Poland threatened national security and could harm the country's international reputation.
Bayko, the owner of Konte Spa, challenged the decision, arguing that the ban was unlawful and lacked valid justification. He formally requested its removal, but the Ministry of Interior and Administration rejected his appeal, finding no grounds to overturn the restrictions.
As a result, Bayko remains barred not only from Poland but from all Schengen Area countries. His assets in Poland have also been frozen, reinforcing the severity of the measures against him.
The ban remains in place, with Polish authorities standing by their assessment of Bayko as a security risk. His inclusion in the Schengen Information System ensures that the travel restrictions apply across 26 European nations. No further legal steps by Bayko have been reported since the decision was upheld.
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