# Nearly $20m found in Hungary’s forests, buildings amid corruption probe

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/nearly-20m-found-in-hungarys-forests-buildings-amid-corruption-probe/
- Published: 2026-11-14T09:08:21+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-14T10:34:00+00:00
- Original publisher: Al Jazeera (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/11/14/hungarian-investigators-uncover-19-5m-hidden-in-forests-and-buildings?traffic_source=rss
- Topics: Government, Politics, World

## Key points

- Investigators found $19.5m hidden across Hungary.
- The probe concerns alleged kickbacks linked to public projects.
- Sesztak denies wrongdoing.

## Summary

Hungarian investigators say they have uncovered $19.5m in cash during a corruption probe involving former development minister Miklos Sesztak. The discovery matters because it adds to scrutiny of alleged misuse of public money under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, whose 16-year rule ended in April.

Searches on 12 and 13 November in Budapest and three other areas found forints, euros and US dollars in buildings, a home, a safe and beneath forest ground; the money was deposited with the state treasury. Sesztak, detained in September, is suspected of receiving more than $37.2m in bribes and kickbacks linked to bus purchases and construction projects, allegations he denies. A poll published this week found 70 per cent considered investigating suspected corruption under Orban and holding those responsible accountable very important.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.