Caught red-handed: Hungarian government official admits to stealing from a store
A government official from Nógrád County was caught stealing at a Lidl store in Balassagyarmat after trying to leave without paying for several items. At first, he claimed it was a mistake, saying he had “forgotten to pay,” but later admitted that he had intentionally taken the goods.
The district office head was caught in Lidl
The case became public at the end of September, when authorities confirmed that an investigation had been launched against T. Bálint, head of the Rétság District Office, on suspicion of theft. He shopped at the Lidl in Balassagyarmat but paid only for a microwave oven, leaving several smaller items in his cart as he exited the store.
The story was first reported by 444.hu, which asked the authorities whether the suspect was indeed a senior government official. The prosecutor’s office did not deny it. They also confirmed that the local police had already completed their investigation and recommended closing the case at the district prosecutor’s office.
“I forgot to pay”
After security guards stopped him at the exit, the official claimed he had simply been careless and had “forgotten to pay.” The explanation, however, did not convince either the store staff or the police.
He was taken into custody, and criminal proceedings were launched against him. The investigation revealed that the value of the stolen items exceeded HUF 50,000 (about EUR 130), meaning the case was not treated as a minor offence but as a criminal one.
He eventually admitted to the theft
The Nógrád County Chief Prosecutor’s Office confirmed to 444.hu that the suspect admitted to committing the theft. According to the prosecution, the government official also requested that the case be referred to mediation—a process that can, in some cases, lead to exemption from punishment if the offender offers restitution and shows remorse. The request was denied, as prosecutors did not consider suspension of the proceedings justified, given the nature and circumstances of the crime.
The government waits to act
The Ministry of Public Administration and Regional Development also commented on the case. Minister Tibor Navracsics told 24.hu that the ministry would wait for the official notifications from the authorities regarding the suspect’s case before deciding on any further action.
The ministry has not disclosed what disciplinary consequences the official may face, but under current regulations, such decisions can only be made after the criminal proceedings are concluded. Until then, the government official has been suspended, and his duties have been temporarily reassigned.
Although the case is not of national importance, it has attracted public attention because it involves a senior civil servant. In such a position, even suspicion of wrongdoing can cause serious loss of trust, which is why the ministry intends to wait for the outcome of the legal process before making any decision about his future.