Mateusz Ritter arrested during TikTok live stream

Mateusz Ritter, a former corporal in the 12th Greater Poland Territorial Defence Forces (WOT), was arrested by Military Gendarmerie and police on Monday during a live TikTok broadcast. The arrest occurred at his residence, where authorities reportedly entered by force after Ritter refused to open the door without seeing legal grounds.

The Territorial Defence Forces issued a statement clarifying that Ritter has not been a soldier since August 14, 2026, following his dismissal for military discipline violations. The military cited his media activities as the reason for dismissal, specifically the illegal recording and distribution of military unit grounds and the images of soldiers without consent. They also noted his use of military uniforms, insignia, and his status to conduct individual media activities using vulgar content.

Ritter had been using social media to criticize his superiors, challenge their competence, and promise to expose irregularities within his unit. He faces ongoing proceedings conducted by the Poznań-Grunwald District Prosecutor's Office, including charges related to defaming a brigade commander.