Viktor Orban's brother detained in Hungary on suspicion of human trafficking

The brother of former Hungarian nationalist leader Viktor Orban is in police custody on suspicion of human trafficking, according to press reports released Monday by Prime Minister Peter Magyar.

Viktor Orban reacted by accusing the Government of trying to eliminate his political adversaries. "The target is me, my brother is nothing more than an instrument," he wrote on Facebook, denouncing a "low blow."

Peter Magyar came to power in May promising to dismantle the "Orban system" and combat corruption.

Information about the arrest was initially published by Kontroll, a media outlet owned by the prime minister's brother, Marton Magyar.

"Viktor Orban's brother Aron Orban has been taken into police custody on suspicion of human trafficking," the prime minister wrote on Facebook.

The Hungarian police indicated for their part that "several people have been arrested" in Budapest and in two cities in the neighboring Pest region during an operation within the framework of two criminal proceedings.

"Searches are currently being carried out at the homes of the people involved," he said in a statement.

Aron Orban created companies that prospered during his brother's 16-year rule.

Last year, several journalists established links between one of their companies and an alleged work visa facilitation system.

The case involves a group linked to political leaders that promised visas to foreign citizens in exchange for money, evading the usual administrative procedures.