Hungarian authorities have seized cash worth almost $20 million hidden in forests, barns, warehouses and homes across the country, as part of a wide-ranging investigation into corruption allegations involving associates of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. At the centre of the case is Miklós Seszták, who served as development minister from 2014 to 2018 and is under investigation for bribery. He denies any wrongdoing. According to Hungary’s National Asset Recovery and Protection Office, investigators found large sums buried in woodland, hidden in farm buildings and storage spaces, and inside a safe at an isolated location.
Eight hours to count the money
The total seized amounts to HUF 5.07 billion, €2.66 million and $1.26 million, bringing the overall value close to $20 million. Counting the money proved a lengthy task. According to Finance Minister András Kármán, it took 12 Treasury employees, eight hours of work and five banknote-counting machines. Images of the huge piles of banknotes provoked strong reactions and fuelled public debate around the corruption investigations in the country.
Orbán’s associates in the spotlight
The case is part of the broader anti-corruption campaign launched by Hungary’s new prime minister, Péter Magyar, following Orbán’s election defeat in April after 16 years in power. Magyar has pledged to investigate bribery allegations and restore the country’s relations with the European Union, and has dubbed his anti-corruption drive “Operation Purgatory”. Two former ministers in the Orbán government and former central bank governor György Matolcsy are in custody in separate corruption investigations. All three deny the charges. Authorities have also arrested the former prime minister’s brother in connection with a human trafficking case, which Orbán has described as political revenge.
Political pressure on Fidesz
Magyar described the find as a symbol of the end of what he called the “mafia” of Fidesz and its allies, in reference to Orbán’s 16 years in government. Political scientist Gábor Török said the images of the vast sums of cash could deal a serious political blow to the party. A Median poll published by news website HVG shows a significant drop in support for Fidesz, with 70% of respondents saying the anti-corruption campaign is very important. The investigations are continuing as Hungarian authorities seek to establish the origin of the money and its possible links to people connected to the previous government.
Source: Bloomberg, Reuters
