Hungarian Investigators Seize Nearly $20 Million in Former Minister Shestak Case – Marking the Fall of Fidesz’s Mafia

Cash Confiscation and Official Arrests

According to ХВИЛЯ: Hungarian authorities have confiscated close to $20 million in cash linked to former Minister Miklós Shestak, who served as the Minister of National Development in Viktor Orbán’s government from 2014 to 2018. Over the course of two days of raids conducted in Budapest and three Hungarian regions, investigators uncovered vast sums of money buried in forests, hidden in farm buildings, warehouses, a residential property, and a concealed safe. Specifically, the seized assets included 5.07 billion forints, 2.66 million euros, and 1.26 million dollars. The cash was transferred to the state treasury, where a team of 12 employees spent eight hours counting it using five cash-counting machines.

Since late September 2023, Miklós Shestak has been in custody following the parliament’s decision to lift his immunity. Prosecutors allege that he and his associate Norbert Sivek unlawfully obtained over 11 billion forints through contracts with the state-owned bus operator Volánbusz. Two massive safes weighing 1.66 tons each were found in an office building linked to Shestak, though both were empty.

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar commented on the case, saying, “Viktor Orbán, the mafia boss, is now hiding and remaining silent about his minister who buried billions in the forest.”

Orban’s Brother Detained Amid Political Turmoil

In a related development, Viktor Orbán’s brother, Áron, was arrested on November 9, 2023, in connection with an illegal human smuggling investigation. Authorities are probing a visa scheme involving over 100 Vietnamese nationals attempting to enter Western Europe. Orbán has condemned the detention as political retaliation. According to Ukrainian outlet Telex, Orbán ordered the seizure of two Sberbank vans carrying cash and gold as early as March 5, 2023. The former prime minister denied issuing that order in October 2023 but admitted he would have done so regardless.

These events have sparked widespread political and media reactions, especially in Ukraine, where Orbán is linked to the Sberbank cash collection scandal. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk remarked:

“Just days ago, Orbán’s brother was arrested for human trafficking, and yesterday, $20 million was found buried in the forest by one of Orbán’s ministers.”

Such developments point to a dramatic shift in Hungarian politics, signaling the end of Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule following the election of his opponent, Péter Magyar, in April 2024.

The case surrounding Miklós Shestak and his ties to Orbán’s government raises serious questions about ethical standards and transparency in Hungary’s public administration. The discovery of this enormous cash stash highlights potential systemic corruption and mismanagement of public funds. Orbán’s silence on these issues suggests mounting political challenges for his administration. Furthermore, the arrest of the prime minister’s brother on charges of illegal activities adds to the growing tension within the country’s already volatile political landscape.

The recent investigation into former Minister Miklós Shestak has unveiled significant financial misconduct, echoing earlier findings in a related case involving MP Miklós Sesták. As details continue to emerge, the scale of the illicit activities raises questions about the broader implications for Hungary's political landscape and the integrity of those in power.