Internal Security Agency

The Internal Security Agency (ABW; Polish: Agencja Bezpieczeństwa Wewnętrznego; [ag'ɛnt͡sja-bɛzpiɛt͡szˈɛɲstva-wɛvnɛ̃trzˈnɛɡɔ]) 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.