Hungarian authorities uncover $20 million in cash during probe of Orban-era minister

Nearly $20 million in cash has been found hidden in farm buildings, safes, and buried in forests as part of an investigation into a former minister of Viktor Orbán, Hungarian authorities have said — marking the latest escalation in Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s sweeping anti-corruption drive.

The discovery: $20 million in cash

The National Asset Recovery and Protection Office (NVVH) said the cash — totaling 5,071,632,000 forints, €2,658,350, and $1,257,100 — was found in secluded locations across the country following a two-day search. The money has been deposited into the Hungarian State Treasury.

Investigators found wads of banknotes in safes, buried in woodlands, and hidden in agricultural and residential buildings and warehouses.

The discovery is part of an investigation into Miklós Seszták, who served as minister of national development for four of Orbán’s 16 years in power. Seszták is accused of accepting bribes as part of a scheme involving the state transport company. He has denied any wrongdoing.

“End of the mafia”

Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar, who unseated Orbán in a landslide election in April 2026 on a sweeping anti-corruption platform, described the discovery as the end of the “mafia.”

Magyar promised Hungarians “regime change” during the election and has set about undoing many Orbán-era policies since entering office. Allegations of corruption and cronyism have long dogged Orbán, who during his tenure turned Hungary into what the EU characterised as an “electoral autocracy.”

The NVVH has dubbed the investigation “Operation Purgatory,” established specifically to investigate allegations of corruption during Orbán’s rule.

Broader crackdown on Orbán-era figures

The Seszták investigation is part of a wider crackdown. Two of Orbán’s former ministers — including Seszták — and former central bank chief György Matolcsy have been under arrest since September over separate corruption accusations. All deny wrongdoing.

On Monday, Hungarian authorities also detained Orbán’s brother and three others as part of a people-smuggling case.

Orbán, who served as prime minister for 16 years before losing to Magyar in April, has strongly denied the corruption allegations. His government faced long-standing accusations of offering lucrative government projects to allies and eroding democratic institutions.

What happens next

The NVVH investigation continues, with more arrests possible as authorities trace the origins of the $20 million in cash. The money has been deposited into the Hungarian State Treasury while the investigation proceeds.

Magyar’s government has pledged to continue its anti-corruption drive, though critics say the pace of prosecutions and the targeting of former officials will be a key test of the new administration’s commitment to rule of law.

This is a developing story and will be updated as the investigation proceeds.