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Hungarian investigators seize $19.5m in probe of former minister
Hungarian investigators say they have seized cash worth $19.5m (£14.8m) in a corruption investigation involving former development minister Miklós Seszták. The discovery is significant for new Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s promised anti-corruption drive into alleged wrongdoing during Viktor Orbán’s 16 years in power.
The cash was found during a two-day search, hidden in safes, farm and residential buildings, warehouses and buried in forests. Investigators listed 5.07bn forints, €2.66m and $1.26m; the money has been deposited in Hungary’s national treasury. Seszták, who is accused of taking bribes in a scheme involving the state transport company, denies wrongdoing, as do Orbán and other former officials facing separate graft allegations.
In short
- Investigators seized $19.5m in a probe involving former minister Miklós Seszták.
- Cash was found hidden in buildings and buried in forests.
- The seizure is part of Péter Magyar’s anti-corruption drive.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
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The case for
Supporters of the investigation argue that seizing the cash is a necessary step to preserve potential evidence and recover public money while allegations are examined. A transparent inquiry into a former minister and a state transport contract could help establish accountability and lend credibility to the new government’s anti-corruption pledge.
The case against
Those accused are entitled to due process, and the discovery of cash alone does not establish that it came from bribery or that Seszták committed a crime. Critics may also worry that a probe prominently tied to the new government’s political promises could be perceived as selective or politically motivated, so investigators should disclose evidence and apply the same standards across parties.
Explained simply
Viktor Orbán led Hungary for 16 years before Péter Magyar became prime minister and pledged to investigate alleged corruption from that period. Such inquiries are part of Magyar’s promised anti-corruption drive.
Miklós Seszták was development minister under Orbán. Investigators allege he took bribes in a scheme involving the state transport company; Seszták denies wrongdoing. Orbán and other former officials also deny allegations in separate cases.
The investigation matters because it concerns claims that public institutions and state companies were used for personal gain. The seizure is part of the inquiry, while the allegations have yet to be established in court.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Hungarian authorities uncover $20m during probe of Orbán-era minister”.