Hungarian anti-corruption investigators have seized more than $19.5 million in cash during a series of raids linked to a bribery investigation involving a former government minister. The National Asset Recovery and Protection Office (NVVH) conducted searches across Budapest and three other Hungarian counties on Thursday and Friday, uncovering the funds buried in forests and hidden within agricultural buildings, warehouses, and private residences.
The investigation centers on Miklós Seszták, who served as the Minister of National Development between 2014 and 2018. Authorities allege that Seszták was involved in a corruption scheme concerning the state transport company, which reportedly included the acquisition of secondhand buses at inflated prices. Following the discovery, the finance minister, András Kármán, stated that 12 treasury employees required eight hours and five counting machines to process the total amount of 5,071,632,000 forints, €2,658,350, and $1,257,100.
Seszták, who currently serves on parliament's Economic and Energy Affairs Committee, has denied any wrongdoing. His lawyer, Gabor Papp, told the news website Telex that the discovered cash does not belong to his client and noted that the broader bribery case involves multiple suspects. Meanwhile, the Fidesz party has distanced itself from the allegations, with parliamentary group leader Bence Retvari calling for Seszták to relinquish his mandate while he attempts to clear his name.
Key facts
- The total cash seized amounts to approximately $19.5 million in a mix of forints, euros, and US dollars.
- The NVVH searched locations in Budapest and three Hungarian counties over two days.
- Treasury staff processed the funds using five counting machines over an eight-hour period.
- Miklós Seszták served as Hungary's minister of national development from 2014 to 2018.
- The investigation is part of an anti-graft drive known as "Operation Purgatory."
Why it matters
The seizure marks a significant escalation in the ongoing accountability campaign led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who succeeded Viktor Orbán in April. Magyar has characterized the crackdown as a major step in dismantling corruption from the previous 16-year administration, while recent polling indicates strong public support for the anti-graft initiatives.
Background
Viktor Orbán governed Hungary for 16 years, from 2010 to 2026. The new government, led by Prime Minister Peter Magyar, established the NVVH with broad investigative and prosecutorial powers to target the misuse of public funds and graft that allegedly occurred during the previous administration.
Source: Times of India
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