Bogusław Bagsik

He was the founder and one of two owners of ART-B, a shell company that, in the wake of the system transformation to capitalism, acquired stakes in Polish industry (e.g. Ursus tractor works), high-key real estate and an art collection encompassing prestigious modern classics. Its capital derived from a check kiting scheme called the "oscillator". Furthermore, there had been constant rumours, i.e. about technical assistance from abroad to import electronics and ART-B functioning as a decoy firm for intelligence operations. The company was renowned for its tariff evasion methods. In 1991, Bagsik fled to Tel Aviv and was granted asylum. Extradition was denied. At this point, Bagsik was the 8th wealthiest person in Poland, according to Wprost.