0
0
A Polish cleaner is facing up to 20 years in prison for repeatedly poisoning a co-worker’s cups of tea with limescale and rust remover.
The cleaner, identified only as Małgorzata W., allegedly began adding the toxic substances to her colleague’s tea after being criticised over her work performance at a radio station in Warsaw, the Polish capital.
The victim first noticed that her tea tasted strange and had changed color in November 2024, soon experiencing abdominal pain, throat burns, and shortness of breath.
According to Mail Online, medical examinations revealed burns in her mouth and digestive tract, leaving her unable to eat normally. Other employees reportedly had no similar symptoms.
“It was then that the woman began to suspect the problem might not lie with the drinks themselves,” said Piotr Antoni Skiba, spokesman for the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office.
In December 2024, the victim left her cup of tea unattended and later noticed it had been tampered with. She borrowed a hidden camera from a private detective, which captured Małgorzata W. spraying limescale and rust remover into the tea and stirring it. The footage also showed her searching through the victim’s locker, purse, and coat.
Skiba confirmed that chemical residues were found in all the victim’s beverages, saying:
“Cleaning agents were detected in all liquids supplied by the injured party – anionic and non-ionic detergents in concentrations typical for cleaning solutions.”
Initially, the accused denied the allegations but later partially confessed after police bugged her phone and recorded her admitting the act to a friend. She acknowledged adding window cleaner to the drinks several times but claimed she did not intend to cause serious harm.
Police spokesman Jakub Pacyniak said:
“According to the evidence gathered, the suspect’s actions were motivated by a professional conflict with the victim. They worked for the same external cleaning company contracted at the office building.”
During the investigation, police seized several toxic cleaning products, beverage bottles laced with chemicals, and other incriminating items.
Małgorzata W. has been charged with attempted grievous bodily harm, an offense that carries a penalty of three to 20 years in prison under Polish law.
