Hungarian authorities seize 17.7 million euros hidden by former minister

Hungarian authorities have seized 17.7 million euros in cash as part of a major corruption investigation into Miklós Seszták, who served as Minister of Development under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán between 2014 and 2018. The discovery followed a two-day search operation conducted on Thursday and Friday by the newly established National Asset Recovery and Protection Agency (NVVH).

The funds were found in various locations, including burial sites in forests, agricultural outbuildings, storage facilities, private residences, and a high-value safe in a remote area. Seszták is accused of accepting bribes in connection with the purchase of used buses by the state transport company at inflated prices. While one source indicates that the total amount seized reached 17.7 million euros, another report suggests the figure approaches 20 million dollars.

Seszták, who has denied any wrongdoing, is currently being held in detention as the legal proceedings continue. The investigation reflects a wider push by the new Hungarian government to examine the financial activities of members of the former administration, specifically regarding the accumulation of illicit wealth during their time in office. Authorities are continuing their probe, with the confiscated assets now part of the ongoing judicial case against the former minister.