AI Image
Millions found in corruption probe into Orban ally
DW.com • • world
Key Points:
- Hungarian authorities recovered nearly $20 million in hidden cash linked to former National Development Minister Miklos Sesztak during a corruption investigation under Prime Minister Peter Magyar's anti-corruption campaign.
- The cash was found buried in forests, hidden in buildings, and stored in safes across Budapest and three counties, including large amounts in Hungarian forints, euros, and US dollars.
- Sesztak faces allegations of accepting over $37 million in bribes related to overpriced state contracts; he denies wrongdoing and was taken into police custody in September.
- Prime Minister Magyar declared the discovery a turning point, accusing former Prime Minister Viktor Orban and his party of criminal activity and pledging to end corruption from Orban's era.
- The ongoing crackdown, called "Operation Purgatory," also targets other senior figures from Orban's government, including former central bank governor Gyorgy Matolcsy and Orban's brother, amid political tensions and declining support for Orban's party.
