Gábor Bálint Nagy, Hungary’s chief public prosecutor, has vowed to recover any illicitly transferred assets, including luxury items like Ferraris from Dubai, if criminal proceedings are launched. “Yes, we will make it happen,” he told news portal 24.hu in an interview.

Concrete steps being planned

Nagy confirmed that prosecutors have taken over the investigation into the case surrounding the National Bank of Hungary (NBH) after failing to receive satisfactory answers from investigators within six months. The central investigative prosecutor’s office is now planning concrete steps in the coming weeks. Asked whether Ádám Matolcsy, the son of the former central bank governor, could face imprisonment, Nagy said: 

If he committed a crime and his guilt is proven beyond doubt, then yes.”

Concerning news reports in connection with assets moved to Dubai, Nagy said that any wealth transferred abroad would be recovered if criminal charges were brought. He dismissed concerns about the lack of an extradition treaty with the United Arab Emirates, saying that mutual legal assistance provided the necessary tools.

Investigations are in the preliminary phase

Following Prime Minister-elect Péter Magyar’s allegations of asset transfers abroad, prosecutors have coordinated with tax and customs authority NAV and other agencies, he said. NAV’s anti-money laundering unit has received reports, and investigations are in the preliminary phase, he added.

Regarding the case involving the business group of media and events market player Gyula Balásy, Nagy confirmed an ongoing criminal investigation into contracts between student loan provider Diákhitel, the National Communications Office and linked companies. While no suspects have been named, criminal complaints have been filed, proceedings are underway, and asset-freezing measures have been applied, he said.



People may be encouraged to come forward

Nagy emphasised to 24.hu that the prosecution service never adjusted its work to the electoral calendar, noting that much of its activity takes place out of the public eye. However, he acknowledged that the change in government may encourage more people to come forward, aiding investigations. He rejected claims of protected individuals within the prosecution service and insisted he had never ordered investigators to avoid probing cases above a certain level.

On accountability, Nagy said that anyone proven to have committed a crime would face consequences, but stressed that actions must be taken within the rule of law and could not be applied retroactively.

On the case concerning alleged abuse at a young offenders’ institution in Budapest’s Szőlő Street, Nagy said that when prosecutors took over the investigation in late September 2025, it had already been clear that minors were likely among the victims. The case, initially involving two suspects, now has eleven, with allegations ranging from human trafficking and sexual offences to abuse and money laundering amounting to hundreds of millions of forints. Nagy did not rule out highlighting systemic failures once the investigation concludes.

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Nagy also expressed support for Hungary joining the European Public Prosecutor’s Office, calling it a “simpler solution than resistance”. He said he was also in favour of the creation of an asset recovery office, arguing that some irregularities did not qualify as criminal offences but still warranted consequences.

“If someone acquires wealth illegally, it is only fair that it be confiscated,” he said.

On the recent operation against Ukrainian money couriers, Nagy explained that the investigation had been ordered by NAV based on a report to the Chief Prosecutor’s Office, and that prosecutors only learned of the operation afterwards. Two parallel proceedings are now underway, the original case and a new criminal investigation into the operation itself, he added.

Asked if he would resign following Magyar’s call for him to do so, Nagy said he intended to continue in his position. Addressing criticism of his predecessor, Peter Polt, Nagy said he could only take responsibility for his own tenure since his election in June 2025. “I can only answer for the cases I handled as a presenting prosecutor. No one could ever say I provided impunity or protection to anyone. I have never done such a thing,” he said.

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