This character will represent the world-building of the «Crime and No Punishment» character series

THE FULL HISTORY AND EVENTS ON THE ISLAND OF POLZEMIA (RIVAN) ARE FICTIONAL AND ARE NO MORE THAN A COLLECTIVE IMAGE OF VARIOUS COUNTRIES WITHOUT SPECIFIC INDIVIDUALS. ANY COINCIDENCE WITH REAL INDIVIDUALS AND POLITICAL OBJECTS IS RANDOM!

REPUBLIC OF POLZEMIA:

Polzemia (Polish: Polzemia), officially the Republic of Polzemia (Polish: Republika Polzemii), is a country located in Northern Europe, on the eponymous island washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea. To the south, it borders Rivan. The population of Polzemia as of January 1, 2026, is 3,487,219 people (134th in the world, 31st in Europe).

It has been a member of the UN since September 17, 1991, and a member of the OSCE since May 9, 2014.

Polzemia is a hybrid democracy, governed as a unitary presidential republic. Since September 2, 1991, the President of Polzemia has been Jakub Hołajko, and the Prime Minister is Zbigniew Nieskromny. The ruling party is "Narodowa Partia Dziedzictwa" (National Heritage Party), characterized by an aggressive pro-Polzemian stance regarding the national question of Polzemians and Rivanians, and also by the principle of "New Democracy," a hybrid semi-authoritarian method of governance.

The capital and largest city is Mroźnów. Other major cities include Piękobrzeże, Pogranicznikowo, Północin, Fortowice, and Nadjezioro. The official language is Polish. The currency is the Polzemian złoty.

The name of the country originates from an old name given by Polish settlers, first mentioned in 999 - Stara Wyspa Pola i Zamieci, literally meaning "Old Island of Fields and Blizzards." It is worth noting that the Poles settled only the northern part, as Danish settlers arrived at the southern tip of the island around the same time and named the island its second name, Righavneø, literally meaning "Island of the Rich Harbor," which later became the name of the only country sharing a land border with Polzemia - Rivan. Despite attempts at national polarization on both sides, Polzemians and Rivanians are present in some numbers on both parts of the island, which only increased tensions between the two peoples over the disputed island.

The first settlements in the territory of present-day Polzemia appeared around 9000-7000 BCE during the Mesolithic hunter-fisher cultures. By 4000-3000 BCE, permanent agricultural farms had formed with clan-communal structures, headed by household elders and the wealthiest landowners. During the Bronze and early Iron Ages, more pronounced social stratification appeared, with community leaders and chiefs controlling land, defense, and trade.

According to the 1897 census, the Polzemian governorate had 1,541,460 inhabitants, of which slightly over 80% declared Polish as their native language, 15% Danish, and 5% Russian.

After the collapse of the Russian Empire on May 24, 1918, the Pozlemian People's Republic was proclaimed. Independence was achieved during the Liberation War. On February 21, 1921, Polzemia became part of the newly formed Polish Republic.

As a result of the partition of the Polish Republic between the USSR and Germany in 1939, Polzemia's contemporary territory fell under occupation by Soviet troops (RKKA) in September 1939, receiving the name Polzemian Soviet Socialistic Republic and the status of a union republic.

On September 13, 1941, during the implementation of the "Barbarossa" plan, after the heroic defense of the city of Mroźnów by the Baltic Fleet, the city fell under the assault of Wehrmacht forces, and the island was completely occupied by the German Reich and annexed to the Protectorate of Denmark. Slavs, including Polzemians on the island, were systematically sent to a concentration camp in the forests near the city of Łowinów, where 440,000~ Polzemians were killed in a horrific manner. The island was liberated by Soviet RKKA forces on October 15, 1944.

Following Germany's unconditional surrender, the Polzemian Soviet Socialistic Republic returned to the USSR, while the southern part of the island, Rivan, returned to the Kingdom of Denmark.

On September 2, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Polzemian SSR, based on Article 72 of the USSR Constitution and detailed in the USSR Law of April 3, 1990, No. 1409-I "On the Procedure for Resolving Issues Related to the Secession of a Union Republic from the USSR," left the USSR through a referendum on the restoration of state independence. 97.3% of eligible voters participated, of whom 80.25% voted for state independence, proclaiming the Republic of Polzemia with a new democratic constitution. Polzemia subsequently became a UN member on September 17, 1991.

On June 1, 2011, the Republic of Polzemia experienced the largest protests in its modern history, known as "Letnie słońce" ("Summer Sun"), organized by three parties: "Partia Zjednoczeniowa" (Union Party) led by Zygmunt Kamiński, advocating social reforms, the unification of the island into a single federation of Rivan and Polzemia, European integration, and a transition to Scandinavian-style socialism; "Wolna Partia Postępu" (Free Progressive Party) led by Karolina Nowak, advocating right-liberal reforms, compromise with Rivan, European integration, and NATO membership; and "Socjalistyczna Partia Ludowa" (People's Socialist Party) led by Isaak Kieślowski, advocating democratic socialism, strict anti-corruption reforms, bilingualism in Polish and Danish, and anti-monopoly policies. The protests were sparked by systematic corruption and brazen election fraud in the wake of the global crisis.

Numerous actions occurred throughout Polzemia, with over 250,000 participants in Mroźnów, 80,000 in Pogranicznikowo, and 20,000 in Piękobrzeże. The Summer Sun protests lasted two years. On June 16, 2013, after provocations by ruling party activists and subsequent violence by the opposition, Jakub Hołajko declared the protests illegal and stated that force would be used to suppress them. The internet in the country was slowed down. On June 17, about 70,000 protesters in Mroźnów were met with violence by the "Gwardia Cywilna Polzemii" (Polzemian Civil Guard), using batons and arrests with administrative and, in severe cases, prison sentences. As a result, the opposition was crushed. Isaak Kieślowski, chairman of the Socjalistyczna Partia Ludowa, was arrested and received five years in a maximum-security colony under Article 245 of the RP Criminal Code ("Public calls to extremist activity"), leading to minor protest actions in Mroźnów and Pogranicznikowo. The Summer Sun protests were unsuccessful for the opposition, and the ruling party's policies became more authoritarian, while crime, corruption, and contraband-including weapons and drugs-expanded on the island.

In 2026, relations between Polzemia and Rivan were severed at the initiative of Jakub Hołajko in response to Rivan's claims regarding the city of Pogranicznikowo, whose population included 32% Rivanians and which bordered the largest lake on the island, Krzem (Danish: Siliciums), known for extremely rich silicon deposits used in various technology. Polzemia made counterclaims, effectively demanding the entire southern part of the island, i.e., the full annexation of Rivan, which prompted Rivan to deploy regular troops to the border, particularly to the forest town of Vagtårnby, bordering the Polzemian town of Wiosczyn. In response, Polzemia positioned its regular forces near Wiosczyn, escalating the conflict. Meanwhile, the domestic political situation in Polzemia is extremely unfavorable. Corruption and criminal activity have been ignored, as the government of Polzemia has prioritized economicand now also military-confrontation with Rivan. Polzemia's aggressive foreign policy provoked outrage and public condemnation from European countries and almost complete indifference from the rest of the world. Most notably, all of Scandinavia and the Baltic states spoke out in support of Rivan. Denmark and Sweden declared that they would restrict the passage of Polzemia's ships through their channels. Russia, however, became Polzemia's main market for weapons and various resources. Russia publicly expressed concern about the situation of Polzemians in Rivan and declared that any violation of Slavic rights leads to genocide of these same Slavs. Taking advantage of this, organized criminal groups have begun to emerge with the tacit consent of the police, engaging in the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and other resources across the island, reaching even the southernmost part of Rivan.

RIVAN:

Rivan (Danish: Rivan), officially the Kingdom of Rivan (Danish: Kongeriget Rivan), is a country located in Northern Europe, on the eponymous island washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea. To the south, it borders Polzemia. The population of Rivan as of January 1, 2026, is 4,105,019 people (130th in the world, 27th in Europe).

Rivan has been a member of the United Nations since December 12, 1960. The country is a member of international organizations such as the United Nations, the Council of Europe, the OSCE, Eurocontrol, and the EBRD.

Rivan is a representative democracy governed as a unitary parliamentary republic. Since October 1, 2022, the President of Rivan has been Asger Nyholm, and the Prime Minister has been Søren Vestergaard. The ruling party of Rivan is the "Liberale Parti Rivan" (Liberal Party of Rivan), characterized by decisive actions and weak domestic policy.

The capital and largest city of Rivan is Havnelund. Other major cities include Sydspidsborg, Bugtby, Fæstnborg, Lavlund, and Sømarkby, reflecting the country's high level of urbanization. The official language of Rivan is Danish. The currency of Rivan is the Rivanian Krone.

The country's name originates from an old designation given by Danish settlers, first mentioned in 1007 as Righavneø, literally meaning "Island of the Rich Harbor." At the same time, Polish settlers who established themselves in the northern part of the island had their own vision of the island's future and name, which they called Stara Wyspa Pola i Zamieci, literally meaning "Old Island of Fields and Blizzards." Despite attempts at national polarization on both sides, Polzemians and Rivanians are present in some numbers on both parts of the island, which only increased tensions between the two peoples over the disputed island.

The first settlements in the territory of present-day Rivan appeared around 9000-7000 BCE during Mesolithic hunter-fisher cultures. By 4000-3000 BCE, permanent agricultural farms had formed with clan-communal structures headed by household elders and the wealthiest landowners. During the Bronze Age and early Iron Age, more pronounced social stratification emerged, with community leaders and chiefs controlling land, defense, and trade.

According to the 1801 census, the Rivan district had a population of 2,692,132 people, of whom just over 82% reported Danish as their native language and 18% Polish.

By 1940, Rivan remained a district with broad autonomy within the Kingdom of Denmark, but on April 9, 1940, as part of Operation Weserübung, Denmark was occupied within 4-6 hours. De jure, Rivan became part of the German Reich, but from the very beginning of the occupation, individual military units with a Slavic majority refused to capitulate and, under the leadership of General Wojtek Wąsowicz, continued partisan resistance against the arriving Kriegsmarine forces, sabotaging military logistics and engaging German naval units.

The island was liberated by Soviet Red Army forces on October 15, 1944. Following Germany's unconditional surrender, the Polzemian Soviet Socialist Republic returned to the USSR, while the southern part of the island, Rivan, returned to the Kingdom of Denmark. However, de facto, Rivan was governed by Wojtek Wąsowicz, who survived the war and was awarded the Soviet medals "For Personal Courage," the Order of Friendship of Peoples, and the Danish Order of the Dannebrog. Monuments to Wojtek can be found throughout the island.

Wojtek Wąsowicz was appointed governor of Rivan immediately after the defeat of the German Reich and remained governor until December 31, 1960. During this period, peaceful decolonization was taking place within the Kingdom of Denmark, including the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Greenland. When by 1960 Rivan had still not received the long-awaited sovereignty, Wojtek Wąsowicz declared himself President of the Kingdom of Rivan. The military advantage was clearly on Rivan's side, whose forces had gained experience in partisan warfare against elite Kriegsmarine units, compared to the weakened Denmark. Denmark recognized Rivan's independence, and in 1965 presidential elections were held in which Wojtek Wąsowicz legitimately won. A constitution was written that in practice proclaimed the country a democracy of Scandinavian socialism governed by the party "Rivan Demokratisk Union."

On August 3, 1993, Wojtek Wąsowicz died at the age of 91 from a cerebral hemorrhage, leaving the country without a strong democratic leader. From that point, the prepared constitutional provision came into force, which mandated presidential elections every five years with a maximum of two terms.

In 2023, Asger Nyholm, a candidate from the "Liberale Parti Rivan," was elected. His policy focused on foreign affairs and resolving the national question between Polzemians and Rivanians "by any means in favor of Rivan." His domestic policy has been characterized as weak and excessively liberal, with many criminals being released immediately after sentencing on bail, which has nearly legalized corruption.

In 2026, Asger Nyholm sharply declared claims to the Polzemian city of Pogranicznikowo, justifying this by the presence of 32% Rivanians in the city. More precisely, he sought to fully annex the southern coast of Krzem (Danish: Siliciums) up to the main road leading to Pogranicznikowo, and accordingly annex Pogranicznikowo itself, thereby gaining de facto access to rich silicon deposits needed by Rivan for its electronics industry, whose value rivaled oil given the scale of silicon reserves in the island's largest lake. As expected, Polzemia did not recognize these claims and put forward counterclaims that were deliberately unacceptable and implied the complete annexation of Rivan.

Asger decided to respond decisively, as he saw it, by sending regular army forces into the border forest town of Vagtårnby, bordering the Polzemian town of Wiosczyn. In response, Polzemia positioned its regular forces near Wiosczyn, escalating the conflict. At the same time, the domestic political situation in Rivan demonstrates the overall weakness of the state internally. Excessively liberal and weak governance has led to the near dysfunction of the prison system; Serious criminals receive short sentences and then use their connections to get released on false parole, and the police have minimal authority. Organized crime groups from Polzemia operate freely in Rivan, openly selling contraband, ordering assassinations, and carrying out kidnappings.

Both internal and external instability have further intensified the political situation in Rivan and discredited the Liberale Parti Rivan and Asger Nyholm in particular, whose term ends in 2028. His policies have led to an explosive rise in the popularity of the old party, the 'Rivan Demokratisk Union,' driven by nostalgia for the stable and strong democracy that existed under Wojtek Wąsowicz.

CRIMINAL GROUPS:

ZS Club

ZS Club (Polish: Klub Zgniecioświęto (ZS)) is the largest and most powerful armed transnational criminal organization based in the logistics and port city of Piękobrzeże, Polzemia [1]. The group specializes in contract killings, money laundering, and the trafficking of drugs, weapons, and other commodities. It has been the dominant criminal organization on the island since the 2010s.

The evolution of this criminal enterprise is marked by rapid growth, transforming from a football hooligan firm centered around the local football team "Kucharz" in 2002 into the largest criminal organization in Northern Europe by 2026.

During the 2000s, the ZS Club lacked a rigid structure. It operated as an average 2000s football fan club focused on away matches, street fights, and promoting a culture of absolute loyalty. Between 2002 and 2008, an informal hierarchy emerged under the leadership of Kazimierz Mickiewicz. The group earned its first income from providing security for bars, collecting entry fees from concerts, and offering minor services to local businessmen.

From 2008 to 2013, the club underwent a shift. Many veteran fans and petty hooligans left, replaced by individuals focused solely on financial gain. The club became exclusive and secretive, establishing legitimate fronts such as security agencies, auto repair shops, construction contractors, and nightclubs. These businesses served as cover for collecting dues, laundering cash, and controlling territory.

Between 2015 and 2021, the organization finalized its structural transformation. The core of the club became a talent pool for muscle-renting racketeers, transit operations, smuggling channels, and "fixers." Against the backdrop of a heavily corrupted legal system, simple beatings escalated into forced disappearances, staged accidents, and targeted assassinations of rivals and witnesses.

By 2026, the ZS Club remains a club in name only. De facto, it has become an organized crime syndicate that influences municipal decisions, maintains ties within law enforcement, and operates its own extensive intimidation network.

Pogranicznikowo Cartel

Pogranicznikowo Cartel (Polish: Kartel Pogranicznikowo) is a transnational organized criminal organization originating from Polzemia. Initially an unorganized network of unemployed dockworkers, former athletes, and black market traders in the industrial city of Pogranicznikowo, the organization evolved into the dominant criminal force controlling the extraction, transportation, and export of ultra-pure silicon ore discovered in Lake Krzem in 2010.

The organization emerged in the early 2000s, when former warehouse supervisor and amateur boxing coach Błażej Dąbrowski gathered a small circle of associates around private “security work” in the industrial districts of Pogranicznikowo. At the time, the group operated as a semi-legal enforcement crew hired to intimidate debtors, guard illegal fuel shipments, and settle disputes between smugglers.

Between 2009 and 2012, the group became more secretive and organized, expanding through personal connections in sports clubs, post-Soviet factory communities, and unemployed veterans of the Afghan War. Recruitment relied heavily on family ties and economic desperation.

Following the suppression of the 2013 protests and the explosion of corruption, crime, and unemployment in Polzemia, the future Pogranicznikowo Cartel capitalized on the resulting vacuum by offering “protection contracts” to local businesses facing the economic and social consequences of the unrest. During this period, Błażej's circle relied more on soft power than outright violence.

In 2014, after the final confirmation of exceptionally large deposits of rare ultra-pure quartzite suitable for the production of advanced semiconductor-grade silicon, in addition to the shallow secondary silicon deposits in Lake Krzem, Pogranicznikowo became one of the island's most strategically important economic locations and the subject of intense competition. Local oligarchs, politicians, and smuggling groups all sought influence over the deposits, triggering chaotic rivalry and widespread bribery. Błażej exploited the situation, and his group began controlling the roads surrounding the main silicon extraction centers and port districts. Using front companies registered as logistics firms and construction subcontractors, the organization gradually monopolized trucking, fuel supply, warehouse security, and customs “facilitation.”

Between 2015 and 2018, the organization entered a period of militarization. Former police officers, port inspectors, accountants, and intelligence personnel were recruited into specialized divisions. Błażej deliberately abandoned the principles of a small local gang and transitioned to a cellular structure designed to reduce the risk of infiltration. During the same period, violence became systematic within the cartel, inspired in part by the success of Mexican cartels. Rivals began disappearing, investigative journalists suffered staged “accidents,” and independent transport operators were forced into cartel-managed cooperatives.

By 2018, the Pogranicznikowo Cartel had expanded across the entire coastline of Lake Krzem, financially influencing even municipal governments. In poorer districts, the organization sponsored apartment block renovations, local sports clubs, and emergency medical supplies, creating a quasi-state presence built on a combination of local loyalty and fear, while openly discouraging cooperation with the national government.

As of 2026, the Pogranicznikowo Cartel has become the second largest criminal organization in the country, influencing local elections, infrastructure contracts, labor unions, and regional media, increasingly becoming more tangible and influential than the state itself.

BONUS

Armed Forces of the Kingdom of Rivan

Armed Forces of the Kingdom of Rivan (Danish: Kongeriget Rivans Væbnede Styrker, KRVS) are the unified military forces responsible for the defense of the Kingdom of Rivan. Their primary mission is to safeguard the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests of the state against external threats.

In addition to their core defense role, the KRVS support civil authorities in emergency response, disaster relief, and the maintenance of public order and security when required. The armed forces also contribute to international peacekeeping operations and multinational crisis management efforts.

The KRVS are composed of three main service branches:

Rivan Ground Forces (Danish: Rivans landstyrker)

Rivan Air Force (Danish: Luftvåben)

Rivan Naval Forces (Danish: Flådestyrker)

The Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of Rivan

The Ministry of Justice of the Kingdom of Rivan (Danish: Justitsministeriet Rivan, JMR) is responsible for the overall judicial system, including the police, public prosecutors, courts, prisons, and probation services. The ministry also oversees legislation in criminal, civil, and family law, as well as laws related to trusts and foundations, citizenship, and data protection. Primarily, it consists of:

Rivan Police Service (Danish: Rivan Polititjeneste, Politi), the main law enforcement service in Rivan; policing in the Rivan region is administered by the regional police authority (politikredse).

The Rivan Police emblem is a shield depicting the Rivan flag with a corresponding cross, on the top of the shield on a black arc is written "POLITI"

The Polzemian Ministry of Internal Justice Affairs

The Polzemian Ministry of Internal Justice Affairs (Polish: Ministerstwo Sprawiedliwości Wewnętrznej Polzemii, MSW Polzemii) is the interior ministry of Polzemia.

The Polzemian Ministry of Internal Justice Affairs is responsible for law enforcement in the Polzemian Republic through its subordinate agencies, which include:

People's Militia of Polzemia (Polish: Ludowa Milicja Polzemii, LM Polzemii), which performs national law enforcement functions. The militia in each city is headed by a commander holding the rank of Inspector (Inspektor).

Migration Control Service (Polish: Usługa Kontroli Migracji, UKM), which carries out migration control and enforcement.

Investigative Department (Polish: Wydział Śledczy, WS), which functions as the primary investigative authority.

People's Guard of Polzemia (Polish: Gwardia Ludowa Polzemii, GL Polzemii), which is responsible for riot suppression, counter-terrorism operations, protection of strategic facilities, and anti-smuggling enforcement. The People's Guard in each city is headed by a commander holding the rank of Colonel (Pułkownik).

The unified emblem of the MSW consists of a white Polzemian eagle bearing a golden mural crown, holding the golden Constitution in its right talon and a golden sword in its left talon. It is often surrounded by shields bearing inscriptions corresponding to the names of the respective services in Polish.

Defense Forces of the Republic of Polzemia

Defense Forces of the Republic of Polzemia (Polish: Siły Obronne Republiki Polzemii, SO RP) are the state military organization of the Republic of Polzemia, tasked with repelling aggression directed against the state, providing armed defense of its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and carrying out missions in accordance with international treaties.

Although the SO RP constitute the primary armed forces of Polzemia, they also include certain separate formations that report directly to the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Defense Forces:

Marine Special Forces (Polish: Siły Specjalne Piechoty Morskiej, SSRM)

Airborne Mobile Forces (Polish: Siły Mobilne Powietrznodesantowe, SMP)

People's Guard of Polzemia (Polish: Gwardia Ludowa Polzemii, GL Polzemii) - de jure and de facto occupies a dual role within both the Polzemian Ministry of Internal Justice Affairs (MSW) and the SO RP.