The discovery of millions in hidden cash during an investigation involving former Hungarian minister Miklós Seszták has attracted attention in neighbouring Croatia. Political analyst Marijan Palić believes the case could expose a much wider system of alleged corruption under Viktor Orbán’s former government, with investigators only beginning to uncover what happened to public assets.

The extraordinary cash discovery in the Seszták investigation has now become a topic of discussion in the Croatian media. Speaking on Croatian public broadcaster HRT’s Studio 4, political analyst Marijan Palić said the investigations were only getting started and that the circle was increasingly closing in on former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.

According to Palić, investigators found approximately EUR 17.5 million in cash during searches linked to former National Development Minister Miklós Seszták. The money was hidden in several locations, including a forest, warehouses and a safe inside a house.

Seszták is suspected of accepting more than EUR 30 million in bribes. Palić described the discovery as a major shock, adding that the full amount involved in the case was not yet known.

‘This is not just about money found in a forest’

The analyst stressed that the Seszták investigation should not be viewed in isolation from the wider investigations launched by Hungary’s new government.

He distinguished between the cash already discovered, criminal complaints filed by the new administration and the broader question of how public assets were managed during the previous government’s years in power.

Palić particularly highlighted the transfer of public assets into foundations and the signing of long-term concession agreements. As an example, he mentioned Hungary’s motorway concessions, which remain in force until 2057.

“This is not just a story about something found in a forest or a bag of money, but about a governance model that is increasingly coming to light,” he said.

According to the analyst, it is still too early to establish the full value of the potential financial irregularities. Some assets are held by foundations and private funds, where the actual owners are not always easy to identify, while other transactions are governed by long-term contracts.

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70% of Hungarians support the new government’s anti-corruption measures

Discussing the new Hungarian government’s actions, Palić said changes were taking place on two levels: institutional reforms and investigations into financial transactions carried out under the previous administration.

He also pointed to the establishment of a dedicated asset recovery office with investigative powers. In his view, the relevant authorities have only just started their work, and further investigations could reveal additional details about deals made during Orbán’s time in power.

Palić added that Orbán portrays proceedings against his former associates as political persecution. However, citing a Medián poll, he said approximately 70% of Hungarians support the new government’s anti-corruption measures.

Asked whether the investigations could eventually reach Orbán himself, the analyst said the circle around the former prime minister was narrowing. Investigators are currently focused on gathering sufficient evidence before potentially taking action against him. Three former ministers are currently in custody, he added.

Investigations involving Orbán’s family also under scrutiny

Palić also discussed investigations reportedly involving members of Orbán’s family. He referred to suspicions of unlawful assistance with visa applications for Vietnamese nationals, as well as questions surrounding Hungary’s planned military mission in Chad.

He emphasised that these proceedings are also at an early stage.

“The circle around him is narrowing. Many analysts point out that evidence is being collected and that they do not want to move against him until there is sufficient concrete evidence,” Palić said.

He added that the progress of the investigations could also depend on testimony from individuals already facing proceedings.

Concluding his assessment, the analyst warned that it was too early to determine the full scale of the suspected wrongdoing or predict the outcomes of the ongoing cases.