Hungary Anti-Graft Chief Charged After Alleging Massive Corruption Losses

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – The chief of Hungary’s anti-graft watchdog is now facing corruption charges, just days after alleging that corruption and procurement abuses under former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s government may have cost the country as much as 60 trillion forints ($194 billion).

Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar said Thursday that the investigation showed the country’s authorities and judiciary were doing their jobs. He added that the government’s anti-corruption legislation was aimed at strengthening institutions rather than targeting individuals, and that institutional leaders had the right to express their views.

Prosecutors confirmed this week that charges had been brought against Ferenc Pál Biró, president of Hungary’s Integrity Authority, over alleged misuse of funds and other offenses that investigators say caused financial damage of more than 140 million forints ($455,000).

Biró, a former partner at accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers with extensive experience in forensic accounting and compliance, has previously denied wrongdoing and described the allegations as an attempt to undermine the Integrity Authority.

The case stems from an investigation launched in January 2025. Prosecutors allege Biró improperly arranged for the authority to lease two company vehicles, one of which was allegedly used by his wife.

CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION

They also accuse him of approving contracts worth more than 100 million forints (about $325,000) with a Brussels-based consultancy firm for projects that allegedly did not serve the authority’s stated mission.

Prosecutors further claim Biró hired a family friend who lacked the required qualifications and failed a national security screening, leading to the person’s dismissal.

The charges come shortly after Biró publicly called for investigations into former senior officials over the alleged misuse of European Union funds and public procurement contracts during Orbán’s 16 years in power.

Speaking to several media outlets, Biró said corruption had become increasingly systemic under the previous administration, citing allegedly inflated contracts, irregular tenders, and the concentration of state business among politically connected firms.

He argued that Hungary could potentially recover significant sums linked to procurement irregularities and other suspected abuses.

PRESSURE ALLEGATIONS

Biró also said that high-level politicians could face prosecution if evidence supported allegations of wrongdoing, though he declined to name specific individuals, citing ongoing investigations.

The Integrity Authority was established in late 2022 under reforms demanded by the European Union after Brussels froze billions of euros in funding over concerns about corruption and the rule of law.

Last month, the European Commission agreed to unlock up to 16.4 billion euros ($18.8 billion) in funding after Magyar’s government pledged further anti-corruption reforms and measures aimed at increasing transparency.

Biró has alleged that former Justice Minister Bence Tuzson and former European Affairs Minister János Bóka urged him not to pursue certain inquiries. Tuzson acknowledged meeting Biró but denied interfering in the watchdog’s work, while Bóka did not immediately comment on the allegations.

Biró has argued that such actions reflected broader attempts to obstruct sensitive investigations involving suspected procurement abuses.

ANTI-CORRUPTION DRIVE

He also claimed efforts were made to intimidate him while pursuing inquiries linked to the previous government.

Among other allegations, Biró said he was briefly detained over the alleged misuse of a company vehicle, while his wife, he said, was offered a well-paid position requiring little or no work.

He said the offer was declined and that his family viewed it as an attempt to influence or undermine the authority’s work.

Those allegations have not been independently verified.

The charges against Biró add a new twist to Hungary’s anti-corruption drive as authorities continue examining allegations involving both current and former officials.

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