Hungary's Magyar accuses Orban-era figures of moving funds abroad illicitly

Hungarian tax authorities have blocked the transfer of funds abroad by unidentified individuals allegedly linked to a close aide of outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orban, according to election winner Peter Magyar, quoted by Reuters.

Magyar, who is due to be sworn in as Orban’s successor on May 9, said in a video posted on social media late Monday, April 27, that Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) had “suspended several transfers linked to Antal Rogan’s circle worth billions of forints, on suspicion of money laundering.” He did not provide evidence to support the claim, and Reuters said it was unable to independently verify the allegations. Billions of forints correspond to millions of US dollars.

When asked about the claims, Hungary’s national police referred to a statement published on its website confirming that an investigation is underway into suspected concealment of illegally obtained funds or other assets. The statement did not name any suspects.

Neither the tax authority nor the central bank, which oversees financial supervision, responded to requests for comment.

Magyar did not specify which individuals he was referring to as members of Rogan’s circle. He has repeatedly expressed concern that allies of Orban could use their remaining time in power to shield proceeds of what he has described as widespread corruption during Orban’s 16 years in office.

He also claimed that bank accounts belonging to “several front men” linked to the outgoing government had been frozen, though he did not identify the account holders or provide supporting evidence.

In his video statement, Magyar urged the head of the tax authority to file police reports concerning the suspected financial flows and called on banks to strengthen compliance procedures and report any suspicious transactions.

“Let me signal now, that anyone — be it an authority or a bank — not acting in line with the letter and the spirit of the law will have to face the Hungarian justice system,” he said.

Rogan, 54, has long been one of Orban’s closest allies and a senior figure in the ruling Fidesz party. 

By Tamilla Hasanova