Former Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó Faces Up to Three Years in Prison: What Is Known About the New Case
8 August 01:37
Former Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has become the focus of a new criminal investigation. Law enforcement officials are investigating whether he may have received an unlawful benefit, and if found guilty, the politician could face up to three years in prison.
This was reported by "Komersant Ukrainian", citing the Hungarian publication Index.hu.
The Szijjártó case has been transferred to the Budapest police
According to the publication, the case files, which were initially handled by the prosecutor’s office, have been transferred to the Budapest Police Headquarters.
This decision was explained by the fact that this agency has the necessary authority and jurisdiction to conduct the further investigation.
Since Péter Szijjártó is no longer a member of parliament and does not enjoy parliamentary immunity, he could face criminal charges if found guilty.
What punishment could he face?
According to Hungarian media reports, the case involves allegations of bribery.
If the investigation confirms the allegations, the former minister could face:
- up to three years in prison;
- criminal liability for a corruption offense under Hungarian law.
No official indictment has been issued yet, and the investigation is ongoing.
Szijjártó’s ties to the Chinese company BYD are also under investigation
At the same time, another investigation is underway in Hungary related to state subsidies provided to the Chinese automaker BYD.
It was to this company that Péter Szijjártó moved after ending his political career. He took on the role of head of external relations and new business development.
The former minister’s appointment to the Chinese corporation sparked widespread public outcry in Hungary.
Szijjártó left parliament in July
As a reminder, on July 15, Péter Szijjártó officially announced that he was resigning his parliamentary seat. At the time, he explained his decision by citing his move to work for BYD.
At the same time, in recent weeks, his name has already come up in yet another investigation.
Possible ties to Russia are being investigated separately
Earlier, Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced the launch of an investigation into Szijjártó’s possible ties to Russia. Details of this investigation have not been officially disclosed.
Thus, the former head of the Hungarian Foreign Ministry has simultaneously become the subject of several high-profile investigations that could have significant political and legal consequences.
