A third secretary of the Russian Embassy in Budapest believed to be serving as an agent of Russia’s SVR intelligence agency remains posted in Budapest, despite allegedly attempting to place at least one Hungarian young person into a senior government position in order to extract sensitive information for Moscow.
The case sheds light on how Russian services have sought to build their own espionage networks in Hungary, including during the years of Viktor Orbán’s governments — and how only weakly these efforts have been countered by the Hungarian state. Whether this will change remains an open question.
Russia did not relent under ‘friendly’ Orbán governments
Even after Russia’s attempted invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 and throughout the protracted war that followed, successive Orbán governments have struck a conspicuously understanding tone towards Vladimir Putin’s regime. Officially, this has been justified by Hungary’s heavy reliance on Russian energy supplies, making the maintenance of cordial relations a matter of national interest.
At times, government rhetoric has also hinted — albeit vaguely — that some of Putin’s criticisms of the West and its eastward expansion are not without merit.
Yet despite this relationship, widely viewed in Brussels as unusually close and politically costly within the EU, Russian intelligence activity in Hungary has not abated. One such operation appears to have failed rather spectacularly — though its alleged organiser continues to work undisturbed at the Russian embassy in Budapest.
The case offers a stark warning to ambitious young Hungarians tempted by seemingly “irresistible” invitations to travel to Russia.
Talent-spotters target Hungarian youth
Russia’s efforts extend well beyond military force and drone warfare. The Kremlin continues to deploy soft power with intent, including language-study trips, cultural programmes, and international events such as the World Youth Festival held in Sochi in March 2024.
A Hungarian delegation attended the festival, led by Roland B., a Hungarian national living in Russia. Officially an entrepreneur, he is described by Telex as acting in a talent-spotting role — identifying individuals who could later prove useful to Russian intelligence.
It was at this event that Alexander V., the Budapest-based diplomat believed to be linked to the SVR, was introduced — via Roland B. — to a Hungarian applicant for a senior public administration post. The role required national security clearance. Although the candidate allegedly attempted, on instruction, to conceal his contact with Alexander V., the connection was uncovered, and he was denied the position.
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Soft power operations continue unhindered
It remains unclear how many Hungarians — young or otherwise — have taken part in similar trips. Participants may find their digital devices accessed, their activities monitored, or themselves placed in compromising situations at informal social events, potentially rendering them vulnerable to coercion or recruitment.
Such gatherings often involve loosely structured programmes, where attendees cannot be certain whether they are speaking to fellow participants or intelligence operatives. According to Telex, even those who do not become agents may still serve a purpose: speaking positively about Russia online or acting as informal advocates for its interests.
Both B. Roland and Alexander V. remain active and are reportedly organising another major event in Yekaterinburg this September, which is again expected to attract numerous Hungarian participants. Roland B. refused to respond to Telex’s questions concerning the issue.
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Oh, put away the smelling salts and save me the phony indignation.
Everybody spies on everybody: friend, foe, neither, either, both. It’s basic reality of international relations and politics. You think Germany doesn’t spy on France and France on Germany, and both on Denmark and Denmark on them, etc.!? Don’t be absurd.