Corruption scandal in Hungary: Orbán's minister buried 17 million euros in a forest
During a corruption investigation into a former minister, investigators uncovered cash totaling around 17.6 million euros. According to the Hungarian anti-corruption authority NVVH, large sums in various currencies were hidden in a forest, agricultural outbuildings, warehouses, and the suspect's residence. Another portion of the money was found in a hidden compartment inside a safe, BILD reports .
At the center of the investigation is Miklós Seszták, former Minister of National Development in the government of Viktor Orbán. He is suspected of having received about 34 million euros in bribes. He has been in custody since late September.
Seszták is not the only person from Orbán's inner circle currently under investigation. This week, Orbán's younger brother, Áron, was also arrested. He is suspected of human trafficking and extortion.
In addition, the former governor of the Central Bank, György Matolcsy, is in custody. According to the prosecutor's office, the case involves misappropriation of funds from the bank's foundation.
Hungary's new Prime Minister, Péter Magyar, promised to uncover Orbán's criminal network following his election victory in April. Now, he called the discovery of millions of euros linked to Seszták proof of the existence of a corrupt system.
“As of today, it is proven that Viktor Orbán is a mafia boss. An ousted mafia boss,” Magyar stated on Facebook.
Orbán speaks of political "tyranny"
The sensational discovery of the millions is likely to put even more pressure on Orbán. Investigators now need to establish where exactly this money came from and who else may have been involved in this corrupt system.
Orbán himself denies the accusations. He calls the investigations and arrests political "tyranny" designed to squeeze him out of the political arena.
The new anti-corruption agency NVVH was established based on a draft law proposed by the Magyar government in July 2026. The creation of this agency was one of Magyar's main promises during the election campaign.