Hungary seizes $19.5m in cash found buried in forests amid graft inquiry

The cash discovery represents a significant development in Hungary's efforts to address corruption allegations from the Orbán era. The National Asset Recovery and Protection Office (NVVH) conducted searches over two days, uncovering money buried in forests and concealed in agricultural buildings, warehouses, and residential properties.

The total amount seized was 5,071,632,000 forints, €2,658,350, and US $1,257,100, which collectively amounts to $19.5m. The cash has been deposited into the Hungarian State Treasury's account, requiring 12 employees 8 hours to count using 5 counting machines.

Ex-minister at center

The investigation specifically targets Miklós Seszták, who served as minister of national development from 2014 to 2018. He faces allegations of accepting bribes in a scheme involving the state transport company, particularly regarding the purchase of secondhand buses at inflated prices.

New government's crackdown

Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who won a landslide election in April ending Orbán's 16-year rule, has made investigating corruption a priority. His government established the NVVH with sweeping powers to pursue such cases.

Seszták is among several former Orbán-era officials detained in recent weeks, including two other ministers and the former premier's brother. Orbán has previously denounced the probes as "political persecution" aimed at imprisoning him.