Polish Cleaner Faces 20 Years in Jail for Poisoning Co-worker’s Tea

In a shocking workplace incident in Warsaw, Poland, a cleaner identified as Małgorzata W. is facing up to 20 years in prison after being caught on camera poisoning her colleague’s tea with limescale and rust remover.

According to reports, the bizarre act began after Małgorzata’s co-worker allegedly criticised her cleaning performance at the radio station where both women worked. The criticism, authorities say, sparked a disturbing chain of events that left the victim with severe internal injuries.

The victim first noticed something was wrong in November 2024 when her usual cup of tea began tasting odd and had a strange color. She soon developed stomach pains, throat burns, and difficulty breathing.

Medical examinations later confirmed chemical burns in her mouth and digestive tract, which made it difficult for her to eat or drink normally.

As other employees didn’t experience similar symptoms, the woman began to suspect foul play. “It was then she realized the issue might not be with the tea itself,” said Piotr Antoni Skiba, spokesman for the Warsaw District Prosecutor’s Office.

To confirm her suspicions, the victim set a trap. In December 2024, she left her tea unattended and later noticed it had been tampered with. She then borrowed a hidden camera from a private detective — and what it captured left everyone stunned.

The footage reportedly showed Małgorzata spraying limescale and rust remover into her co-worker’s cup and stirring it before returning it to its place. The video also showed her searching through the victim’s locker, purse, and coat, possibly looking for other personal items.

Investigators later discovered that cleaning agents were present in all the beverages belonging to the victim. Tests confirmed detergent chemicals commonly used in cleaning surfaces had been mixed into her drinks.

Initially, Małgorzata denied any involvement. However, she later partially confessed after police bugged her phone and recorded her admitting the act to a friend.

She told investigators she had added window cleaner to her co-worker’s tea multiple times but insisted she did not intend to cause serious harm.

Police spokesperson Jakub Pacyniak said the incident stemmed from a workplace dispute. “All the women worked for the same external cleaning company serving the office building,” he explained.

During the investigation, police recovered toxic cleaning products, contaminated drink bottles, and other items containing chemical residues, which were used as evidence.

The accused cleaner has since been charged with attempted grievous bodily harm, a serious offense under Polish law that carries a minimum sentence of three years and a maximum of twenty.

Authorities say the case serves as a chilling reminder of how workplace conflicts, if left unresolved, can spiral into dangerous acts of revenge.