PM Orbán’s brother named in shady guest worker recruitment scheme
A controversial scheme to bring guest workers into Hungary has raised serious concerns after evidence emerged linking the operation to Áron Orbán, brother of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Allegations of fraud, document forgery, and political influence have surfaced.
Shady guest worker business
Telex writes that in the spring of 2023, a business arrangement was initiated in Hungary to bring third-country nationals into the country as guest workers for temporary employment. The operation was spearheaded by individuals identified as Garay and Macsek, who conducted their activities through multiple business entities. According to their own claims, they maintained a direct connection with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s younger brother, Áron Orbán, who allegedly offered political backing for the initiative.
About the scheme
The scheme required an advance payment of EUR 1,000 per foreign worker, with additional fees totalling several thousand euros to cover services such as securing residence permits, preparing work contracts, and arranging accommodation. However, documents obtained during the investigation suggest numerous instances of document falsification and misrepresentation. In many cases, guest workers either never received the promised permits or found no employment upon their arrival in Hungary.
Tragic outcome?
A key figure in uncovering the network, referred to as “Soma,” had been directly involved in the recruitment process. He amassed an extensive collection of evidence, tens of thousands of files, including audio recordings, contracts, and emails, which he submitted to the Central Investigating Prosecutor’s Office. Although a formal investigation was launched into potential offences, including influence peddling, no significant developments have emerged over the past year. Soma has since died under circumstances that remain unclear.
The involvement of PM Orbán’s brother
Documents also suggest that Áron Orbán and the company Multi Shoot Ltd., with which he was affiliated, were actively involved in visa applications and orchestrating guest worker invitations through short-term university programmes. While those implicated often cited high-level political support and preferential access to state institutions, no official confirmation has been provided by authorities.
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