Fidesz MP steal the EU funds? Tax office start investigation

The National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary (NAV) ordered an investigation against Sándor Kovács, Fidesz member of the Hungarian National Assembly from Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County. The investigation is about the 60 million HUF (168.709 EUR) worth EU fund that was spent on touristic establishments on the politician’s property.

The investigation against the Fidesz politician is currently ongoing, as according to the Prosecutor’s Office of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg County, the local NAV directorate ordered the start of it on the 14^th of October. The suspects have not yet been interrogated.

24 reported earlier about touristic investments on the politician’s family property, funded by 60 million HUF (168.709 EUR) grant. A guest house, summerhouse, touristic showroom, and boathouse were built on the property from the money, even though Kovács did not officially receive it.

Ágnes Vadai, Democratic Coalition member of the Hungarian Assembly, contacted Péter Polt, Chief Prosecutor of Hungary on the matter. The Central Chief Prosecutor’s office ordered the case to the jurisdiction of NAV.

Kovács told 24 that he has nothing to do with the touristic establishments. He said, he only provided the property for the construction company – that happens to be managed by his wife and son –, and that the establishments belong to those who received the EU funds. The lease of the property, however, has Kovács and his mother’s name on it, which means they are the beneficiaries.

Following the newspaper’s report, Kovács changed the names on the lease, but the investigation was already on by that time.

Moreover, this is not the first incompatibility concerning the Fidesz member of the Hungarian National Assembly. The company of Kovács’s friend, who is also his wife’s business partner, has won 1 billion HUF (2.808.175 EUR) worth of public procurement within a couple of years, merely at municipalities that belong to the electoral district of Fidesz politicians. Apparently, the politician’s wife broke the business ties with her partner since then.

As we reported earlier, another Fidesz politician was accused with corruption, not long ago. The investigation is about János Nagy, Deputy State Secretary for Land Affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture about bribery for abuse of office and other crimes.

Read alsoCoE: Hungary falls short of meeting recommendations on corruption prevention

Source: 24