Investigation into Miklos Sesztak
The National Asset Recovery and Protection Office (NVVH) seized 5,071,632,000 forints, 2,658,350 euros, and $1,257,100 during two-day operations in Budapest, Pest, Bekes, and Nograd counties on November 12 and 13. Prime Minister Peter Magyar announced the seizure of these funds, which he says belong to allies of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, on November 13. I find the locations of these hidden assets incredibly reckless, as the NVVH found cash buried in forests, hidden in warehouses, stored inside a home, and kept in a high-value safe at a secret location. The criminal investigation targets Miklos Sesztak, who held the position of National Development Minister from 2014 to 2018. Sesztak remains a member of parliament for the Christian Democratic People’s Party, a group that partnered with the Fidesz party since 2005.
| Asset Type | Recovered Amount |
|---|---|
| Forints | 5,071,632,000 |
| Euros | 2,658,350 |
| US Dollars | $1,257,100 |
The NVVH personnel deposited all recovered cash with the Hungarian State Treasury on November 14. This operation follows the landslide victory of Peter Magyar in April, which ended 16 years of rule by the Orban administration. The new government promised reform and closer alignment with the EU after the previous administration maintained warm ties to Moscow. Sesztak first entered the country’s parliament in 2010 before his tenure as a minister. The recovery of the "buried or otherwise concealed" cash took place over a two-day period within several different Hungarian cities and counties, including Budapest and Pest.
Reaction to the discovery
The detention of Aron Orban, the brother of Viktor Orban, in a people-smuggling investigation just days ago adds weight to the political shift in Hungary. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk commented on the findings on X, writing, "A few days ago, Orban’s brother was detained in a people-smuggling case, while yesterday 20 million dollars were found buried in the forest by one of Orban’s ministers." He wrote that he was "impressed as never before" by the "creativity" shown. I find Tusk’s sarcasm regarding the "creativity" of the former administration to be a blunt dismissal of the corruption uncovered by the NVVH. This investigation follows Magyar’s promise of reform. The recovery of these millions continues to draw attention as the new government investigates the actions of former officials and their hidden wealth.
