Faced With Charges Including Conspiracy to Murder, Bimber Distillery Co-Founder Steps Down From Company

Bimber’s co-founder, Lucas Ratajewski, is stepping down from his role after facing extradition to Poland for conspiracy to murder charges. (Photo: Bimber Distillery)

On Friday, Bimber Distillery announced on its website that its co-founder, Lucas Ratajewski — who lived in the U.K. under the pseudonym Dariusz Plazewski — is stepping down from his responsibilities at his whisky brands, including the newly formed Dunphail Distilleries.

This marks the latest development after the recent news that Ratajewski faces extradition to Poland due to conspiracy to murder and drug charges. Ratajewski’s lawyer attempted to get him released on bail, but these efforts were rejected as the Bimber co-founder was considered a flight risk. Ratajewski admitted to using an alias to create a new identity and start over in the United Kingdom. He was described in court as having lived a “double life” for 20 years.

In a statement, Bimber and Dunphail announced that Plazewski has “relinquished all his responsibilities” at both businesses and is handing over his duties to team members.

“Whilst we understand the news of his personal legal issues may well raise questions and concerns, we want to assure you that our businesses remain fully operational and committed to serving you with the same level of excellence and dedication as always.”

The Daily Mail reported that the murder was supposed to take place in 1997 when Ratajewski allegedly supplied an AK-47 rifle as the murder weapon, but the murder never happened.

Ratajewski claimed he used an alias because “he had fled Poland in fear of his life,” according to Judge Justice Farbey.

Bimber’s other co-founder, Ewelina Chruszyck, and Dunphail Director of Whisky Creation Matt McKay are going to assume leadership positions.

“They will work diligently with our dedicated staff to ensure there is no disruption to our services or the quality of our products,” Bimber said in a statement. “Our management team, along with our staff, are fully capable of steering both companies forward and maintaining our ongoing operations smoothly.”

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