Hungarian police reportedly detain brother of ex-PM Viktor Orban
Hungarian police have reportedly arrested Aron Orban, the younger brother of former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, on suspicion of people smuggling.
Former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has accused the country's new government of "political persecution" after the reported arrest of his younger brother. Hungarian police arrested Aron Orban on Monday on suspicion of people smuggling, among other offences, according to a press report shared by Prime Minister Peter Magyar.
Political Motive
Viktor Orban's staunch opposition to immigration defined his 16 years in power that ended in defeat at elections in April. He accused the government of arresting his brother as a way to "divert attention" from other issues.
I am the real target. My younger brother is simply being used to get to me.
Business Connections
News of the arrest was first reported by Kontroll, a news site owned by Magyar's brother, Marton. Police carried out raids involving Aron Orban's business associates but did not confirm whether he was among those detained.
Like other members of the Orban family, Aron built several successful businesses during his brother's rule. Last year, an investigation by news site Telex linked Aron Orban and his business associates to an alleged scheme involving visas for foreign guest workers.
New Government's Stance
Pro-EU conservative Magyar won a landslide election victory in April, ending 16 years of Orban's rule, after promising to investigate his predecessor's alleged corruption and abuse of power while in office. Authorities said they had detained four people suspected of people smuggling.
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