Corruption investigation in Hungary: Millions discovered in ex-minister's possession

During investigations against a former minister under former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, cash worth around 17.7 million euros was found. The forint, euro and dollar bills were partially buried in the forest, said the newly founded National Office for Asset Recovery and Protection (NVVH).

Further notes were secured in agricultural buildings, warehouses and residential buildings. "After receiving it, twelve employees of the tax authorities counted the money for eight hours using five counting machines," Hungary's Finance Minister Andras Karman is quoted as saying.

The authorities came across the money during corruption investigations against the former development minister Miklós Seszták (2014-2018). He is suspected of having accepted around 34 million euros in bribes and kickbacks. He was arrested in September. He denies the allegations.

Magyar calls Orbán party “criminal organization”

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said that he sees the development as the end of Fidesz as a political party - from today onwards the Orbán party is "nothing more than an organized criminal group". Magyar's pro-European Tisza party clearly won the parliamentary election in April and replaced Orban after 16 years in power.

Magyar wants to investigate the alleged corruption during Orbán's time in government and recover misused public funds. For this purpose, the new anti-corruption authority NVVH was founded. This has investigative and criminal prosecution powers.

Three former ministers have been arrested in Hungary since the parliamentary election. In addition, corruption fighters also arrested Orbán's younger brother Aron Orbán this week; he is accused of human trafficking and visa fraud.