Allies of outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán are allegedly moving assets abroad, seeking U.S. visas, and destroying potentially incriminating documents.
Wealth Transfer Begins
Associates of outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán have begun rapidly transferring their wealth out of Hungary. Private jets departing from Vienna are reportedly loaded with the assets of those who benefited from Orbán’s 16 years in power.
Others are reportedly rushing to invest their assets abroad.
Seeking U.S. Opportunities
High-ranking politicians close to Orbán are reportedly exploring options for obtaining U.S. visas, hoping to find employment with institutions linked to the MAGA movement.
Asset Relocation Destinations
According to sources within the Fidesz party, three members of Orbán’s inner circle began transferring their assets to Saudi Arabia, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Australia following Orbán’s election defeat on April 12th.
Transfer Restrictions and Magyar’s Accusations
The Hungarian tax authority, NAV, has reportedly halted several transfers initiated by Antal Rogán, a politician linked to Orbán who was previously on a U.S. sanctions list due to corruption allegations.
Incoming Prime Minister Péter Magyar accused oligarchs connected to Orbán of transferring assets abroad, specifically mentioning the UAE, USA, and Uruguay.
Calls for Accountability and Warnings to Investors
Magyar called on Hungarian institutions to detain individuals who have “caused damage to Hungary amounting to billions of forints” and warned investors against acquiring assets “linked to the mafia.” He stated that several families connected to the Orbán government have already left Hungary, with others preparing to do so by withdrawing their children from schools.
Meszaros Family Reportedly Preparing to Leave
Relatives of Lőrinc Mészáros, one of Hungary’s wealthiest individuals and a close friend of Orbán, are reportedly among those preparing to leave the country, according to Magyar.
Fears of Asset Seizure Fuel Transfers
Independent Hungarian media outlets, VSquare and 444, report that individuals close to Orbán are transferring their assets out of fear of potential seizure, freezing, or nationalization by the Magyar government. 444 reports the process began in March, before the elections.
Focus on the United States
Magyar warned that numerous documents potentially incriminating those around the outgoing prime minister have been destroyed in recent weeks. “We are receiving more and more reports of large-scale document destruction by various ministries, institutions, and companies close to Fidesz,” he wrote on social media in April.
Orbán’s Planned U.S. Trip
Orbán is reportedly planning a trip to the U.S. during the FIFA Men’s World Cup, with the opening match scheduled for June 11th. His eldest daughter and son-in-law moved to New York last year.
Fidesz Officials Seeking U.S. Employment
Other high-ranking Fidesz officials are reportedly applying for work visas to the U.S., hoping to leverage their expertise in institutions linked to the Republican Party, according to sources in the U.S. administration and Fidesz.
U.S. as a “Safe Haven”
Hungarian investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi noted that the U.S. has long been seen as a “Plan B” for those in Orbán’s circle. He believes that as long as the Donald Trump administration remains in power, the U.S. could become a safe haven for the upper echelons of the Orbán regime.
