Internal Security Agency

Internal Security Agency
Agencja Bezpieczeństwa Wewnętrznego
Logo of the Agencja Bezpieczeństwa Wewnętrznego (ABW)

ABW headquarters at 2a Rakowiecka Street in Warsaw
Agency overview
Formed29 June 2002
Preceding agency
JurisdictionGovernment of Poland
HeadquartersWarsaw, Poland
Annual budget710,356,000 zł (2023)
Ministers responsible
Agency executives
  • Colonel Rafał Syrysko, Acting Head
  • Colonel Bernard Bogusławski, Deputy Head
  • Colonel Krzysztof Zieliński, Deputy Head
  • Colonel Michał Roguski, Deputy Head
Websitewww.abw.gov.pl/en

The Internal Security Agency (ABW; Polish: Agencja Bezpieczeństwa Wewnętrznego) is Poland's principal civilian intelligence and counterintelligence service responsible for internal security.

The Agency is tasked with identifying, preventing, and combating threats to the constitutional order and internal security of the Republic of Poland, including terrorism, espionage, and activities that may undermine state security. In carrying out its statutory duties, the ABW conducts intelligence, counterintelligence, and operational-investigative activities as provided by law, including counter-terrorism operations.

The ABW operates under the Act of 24 May 2002 on the Internal Security Agency and the Foreign Intelligence Agency, which defines its mandate, tasks, powers, and organizational structure. The Agency functions as a civilian special service subordinate to the Prime Minister of Poland, who exercises executive control over its activities. Parliamentary oversight of the ABW is exercised by the Sejm, in particular through the Sejm Committee for Special Services.

The ABW is headquartered on Rakowiecka Street in the Mokotów district of Warsaw.