The investigation into former Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjarto began on July 16, initially handled by the Budapest Investigative Prosecutor’s Office before being transferred to the Budapest Police (BRFK). This change was made due to the police’s capability and authority to manage the case.
An official complaint regarding Szijjarto was filed by Hungarian activist István Tényhi. Following the complaint, the prosecutor’s office indicated that the information provided could suggest the commission of a bribery offense.
Simultaneously, the Hungarian parliamentary committee on national security is investigating Szijjarto, focusing on potential national security threats linked to his new role at the Chinese automotive company BYD.
Context
- Szijjarto served as Hungary’s foreign minister from 2014 to 2026, noted for his pro-Russian views and anti-Ukrainian statements. On July 16, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Mádjár announced that law enforcement had initiated an investigation into Szijjarto’s connections with Russia.
- Reports suggest that he frequently contacted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during breaks at EU meetings and offered assistance to Russia during the June 2023 march led by Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, which is recognized as an international criminal organization.
- After the recent elections, Szijjarto has been absent from the public eye, notably missing from a gathering with former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán on April 12, when Orbán acknowledged the opposition party’s victory. Mádjár claimed Szijjarto was at the Foreign Ministry destroying documents related to sanctions.
