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Hungarian investigators have recovered nearly $19.5 million (approximately ₹183 crore) in cash concealed in forests, warehouses, agricultural buildings and safes during a corruption investigation involving a former minister in the government of ex-Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
The National Asset Recovery and Protection Office said searches conducted on November 12 and 13 in Budapest and three other parts of Hungary uncovered large quantities of Hungarian forints, euros and US dollars hidden at multiple locations.
The recovery forms part of an investigation into former development minister Miklós Seszták, who is suspected of receiving more than $37.2 million (approximately ₹350 crore) in bribes and kickbacks linked to government contracts and public procurement projects.
Seszták, who served as development minister between 2014 and 2018, was detained in September and has denied wrongdoing.
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Investigators Discover Cash Buried in Forests and Hidden in Buildings
According to the National Asset Recovery and Protection Office, investigators discovered cash concealed beneath the ground in forested areas, along with substantial amounts stored in farm buildings, warehouses and residential premises.
Officers also recovered money from a high-value safe located at a secluded property.
The agency released footage showing investigators digging in wooded areas after dark and examining large quantities of banknotes recovered during the searches.
The seized money included Hungarian forints, euros and US dollars, with its combined value estimated at approximately $19.5 million (₹183 crore).
The recovered funds were subsequently deposited with the Hungarian State Treasury.
Finance Minister András Kármán said 12 treasury employees spent eight hours counting the seized currency.
The discovery has become a significant development in the investigation into suspected misuse of public money during Hungary’s previous administration.
However, the ownership of the recovered cash has not been conclusively established.
Former Minister Faces Bribery Allegations Over Public Contracts
The investigation centres on Miklós Seszták, who held the development portfolio under Viktor Orbán’s government.
Investigators suspect that Seszták received bribes and kickbacks exceeding $37.2 million (₹350 crore) in connection with public procurement and government-funded projects.
The allegations involve the purchase of allegedly overpriced secondhand buses by a state transport company and irregularities connected to government construction contracts.
Seszták was detained in September as authorities examined the suspected financial transactions.
He has denied the allegations against him.
The cash recovery is part of the wider investigation and does not, by itself, establish that the money belonged to Seszták or represented proceeds from the alleged offences.
Hungarian authorities are also pursuing separate corruption investigations involving other former senior officials.
Among those facing scrutiny is former central bank governor György Matolcsy, whose case concerns alleged misuse of public assets held by a central bank foundation. Matolcsy has also denied wrongdoing.
New Hungarian Government Expands Corruption Investigations
The cash seizures come as Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s government intensifies investigations into suspected corruption during Orbán’s 16 years in power.
Magyar’s centre-right Tisza party came to power in April 2026, ending Orbán’s long period as prime minister.
The National Asset Recovery and Protection Office was established to investigate suspected misuse of public funds and recover assets allegedly connected to corruption.
Following the latest discoveries, Magyar described the recovery as evidence of his government’s efforts to pursue accountability for alleged misconduct under the previous administration.
Orbán has previously accused the new government of using corruption investigations to force him out of politics.
The investigations have also attracted considerable public attention.
A survey published by Hungarian news website HVG and conducted by pollster Median found that 70% of respondents considered investigations into suspected corruption under Orbán, and accountability for those responsible, very important.
Authorities are continuing to examine the recovered funds and the allegations involving former government officials.
The latest seizures represent a substantial recovery of concealed cash, while the criminal investigations and questions surrounding ownership of the money remain unresolved.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
