Hungarian police raided a company linked to the pro-Fidesz Centre for Fundamental Rights as part of an investigation into suspected financial mismanagement. The operation has sparked a strong reaction from opposition party Fidesz, which has condemned the investigation as politically motivated.
Hungary’s National Bureau of Investigation (NNI) announced on 23 September that it was investigating suspected criminal mismanagement involving a publicly funded company associated with the Centre for Fundamental Rights (Alapjogokért Központ), a conservative think tank closely linked to Fidesz.
According to the official police statement , the company allegedly paid a former foreign official, currently subject to an international arrest warrant, more than HUF 3.5 million gross per month despite minimal actual work.
Police seize documents and question witnesses
Investigators searched the company’s Budapest premises, its accounting firm and the former official’s last known Hungarian address. Officers seized contracts, invoices, payroll records and other documents, while also collecting data from the company’s servers. Several witnesses were questioned.
The investigation is being conducted against an unidentified perpetrator. Police said the seized materials would be examined to establish the circumstances of the payments and determine whether criminal wrongdoing occurred.
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Fidesz names former Polish minister and condemns raid
Although police did not identify the foreign official, Fidesz named former Polish Deputy Justice Minister Marcin Romanowski in its subsequent statement.
Romanowski served in Poland’s previous Law and Justice government and is wanted by Polish authorities over allegations involving the country’s Justice Fund. He faces allegations relating to 18 offences, including participation in an organised criminal group suspected of causing losses to state assets.
Romanowski was granted asylum in Hungary under Viktor Orbán’s former government. He is wanted by Polish authorities over allegations concerning the management of the country’s Justice Fund.
In a statement reported by Hungarian News Agency MTI , Fidesz described the searches as politically motivated and without legal basis.
The party accused Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s Tisza government of using law enforcement authorities against political opponents. It also maintained that Romanowski’s employment was lawful and that he had received appropriate payment for his work.
Centre for Fundamental Rights responds
Following the searches, the Centre for Fundamental Rights maintained that it had operated in accordance with the law since its establishment, including in its cooperation with foreign researchers.
In a Facebook statement, the organisation said:
“We are ready to cooperate with the authorities on any matter, as a lawful procedure can only establish that we have complied with all legal requirements.”
The centre also highlighted its international and regional partnerships, maintaining that these activities served Hungary’s interests. The criminal investigation remains ongoing, and yet no determination of criminal liability has been announced.
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