Hungary: 17.7 million euros seized in corruption investigations against former ministers

Hungary's newly created anti-corruption agency NVVH has discovered millions in cash during investigations against an ex-minister in the government of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. As part of the criminal proceedings against Miklós Seszták, several locations were searched, the NVVH announced on Friday. The investigators found large amounts of cash in different currencies worth a total of 17.7 million euros.

They discovered the money "buried in forests, hidden in agricultural buildings, warehouses and residential properties as well as in high-quality safes in remote locations." The authority also announced that it had now been paid into an account in the Hungarian state treasury.

Twelve employees counted cash for hours

"After it was received, twelve employees from the tax authorities counted the money for eight hours using five counting machines," Hungary's Finance Minister András Kármán is quoted as saying.

The suspected Seszták held the position of Development Minister between 2014 and 2018. He is said to have accepted bribes when buying used buses at inflated prices from state transport companies. Seszták was arrested at the end of September. He denies the bribery allegations.

Orbán's pro-European successor Péter Magyar described the discovery of money as a turning point. He sees the end of Fidesz as a political party - as of today, the Orbán party is "nothing more than an organized criminal organization."

After taking office, Magyar announced investigations into corruption and abuse of power under Orbán's leadership and launched the anti-corruption agency NVVH.

Three former ministers have since been arrested, including the former economy minister and ex-central bank chief György Matolcsy, a close confidante of Orbán. Corruption fighters also arrested Orbán's younger brother Áron Orbán this week; he is accused of human trafficking and visa fraud.