Former minister in the Orban government detained and accused of embezzling funds from Hungary’s National Cultural Fund

Former Culture Minister in Viktor Orban’s government and current MP Balázs Hankó was detained on Monday evening in Hungary as part of an investigation into the alleged misappropriation of funds from the National Cultural Fund (NKA), an institution under the Ministry of Culture. Prosecutors announced on Tuesday that Hankó had been questioned as a suspect after Parliament lifted his immunity.

The investigation concerns allegations that the NKA directed billions of forints in grants to artists and organizations linked to the Fidesz party through a mechanism lacking transparency. The individuals concerned denied any wrongdoing, while Hankó said that he had a “clear conscience” and that this was a political process.

In July, police conducted searches at the premises where the Fidesz servers were located in connection with the investigation. Also on Monday, Miklos Sesztak, a former Minister of National Development in Orban’s government, was detained in a separate case concerning alleged corruption offenses. He denies the allegations.

The cases were announced after Prime Minister Peter Magyar established an anti-corruption body. He claims that, during Orban’s rule, corruption and the improper use of public funds cost Hungary between 8% and 10% of GDP. Orban rejected the allegations.