Hungarian investigators recovered nearly $20 million in cash hidden in forests, buildings and safes during a bribery investigation involving Miklós Seszták, a former minister under Viktor Orbán.
The National Asset Recovery and Protection Office said searches on November 12 and 13 covered Budapest and the counties of Pest, Békés and Nógrád. Authorities reported finding 5.07 billion forints, €2.66 million and $1.26 million, worth about €17.6 million or $19.5 million in total. Some of the money was buried in woodland.
Other bundles were found in farm buildings, warehouses and a residence. Cash was also found in a safe at a secluded location. The recovered money was deposited in Hungary’s State Treasury.
Twelve employees spent eight hours counting it with five machines. The investigation concerns suspected illicit payments between 2015 and 2018 involving Seszták and the former head of Hungary’s state asset manager. The payments allegedly came from companies contracted by national bus operator Volánbusz.
Investigators are examining claims that used buses were overpriced and looking into other transactions. Seszták has denied wrongdoing. He served as national development minister from 2014 to 2018.
He was detained in September, and his detention was later extended through January 30. The cash seizure is part of the investigation, not a court finding that the money came from crime. It is also not a court finding that Seszták is guilty.