A 28-year-old Hungarian man wanted for attempted murder has been arrested in Graz, Austria, after spending years evading authorities. Alex H. was sentenced to six years in prison but failed to report to serve his sentence and was subsequently placed on Europol’s Most Wanted list.
According to Hungary’s National Bureau of Investigation (NNI), the offence dates back to November 2021, when the then 23-year-old man got into an argument with a distant relative near a shopping centre in Budapest’s District IX. The dispute escalated into violence: Alex H. allegedly kicked the man in the head while he was sitting on the ground, then stamped on his head several times after he fell over.
The victim suffered life-threatening skull injuries. Police officers arriving at the scene eventually stopped the assault.
The Budapest-Capital Regional Court sentenced Alex H. to six years in prison for attempted murder. However, he did not begin serving his sentence, prompting a wanted notice in April 2026.
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Fugitive changed his appearance to avoid detection
Investigators from Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County initially searched for the man, with the NNI later joining the investigation. After authorities suspected he had fled abroad, a European Arrest Warrant was issued in September, and he was added to Hungary’s list of the 50 most wanted fugitives and Europol’s Most Wanted website.
Investigators received information suggesting that Alex H. might be working in Austria, prompting cooperation with the Austrian fugitive-tracking unit.
The joint operation led police to his whereabouts, and he was arrested in Graz on 7 November. Although he had changed his appearance and was not carrying his original identity documents, Austrian officers were still able to identify him.
He is currently in custody in Austria, with a decision on his extradition detention still pending. Hungary’s National Police Headquarters is coordinating the international cooperation needed for his return.
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Another Hungarian suspect remains on Europol’s list
The NNI also highlighted another Hungarian national currently featured on Europol’s Most Wanted website: 49-year-old Gábor Varga, who remains at large.
According to the allegations, Varga committed sexual violence on at least ten occasions between 2016 and 2021. Investigators say he and his partner lured young women to their home in Csanádpalota, where substances were allegedly added to their drinks to incapacitate them. Varga is also accused of making photographs and video recordings of the alleged abuse.
An arrest warrant was issued against him by the Szeged Court of Appeal on 3 January. He is believed to be abroad, although his current whereabouts are unknown. International and European arrest warrants have been issued, and he could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
