Donald Tusk criticizes Viktor Orbán amid Hungarian corruption and smuggling investigations

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk criticized Viktor Orbán on November 14, 2026, following corruption investigations and the detention of the brother of the former Hungarian Prime Minister. The criticism followed reports of large cash seizures and a smuggling investigation involving Áron Orbán.

Corruption investigations and cash seizures

Hungarian investigators from the National Asset Management and Recovery Office (NVVH) seized 20 million dollars in cash during an investigation into Miklós Seszták. Miklós Seszták served as the Minister of National Development in the government of Viktor Orbán from 2014 to 2018. The NVVH conducted searches in Budapest and Pest County to recover the funds.

The seized cash was discovered in various locations, including forests, agricultural buildings, warehouse buildings, a residential house, and a hidden safe. According to reports from danas.rs, the seized funds included 5 billion forint, 2.66 million euros, and 1.26 million dollars. One report noted that 12 people spent 8 hours counting the money. Hungarian Prime Minister Péter Magyar estimated the total value of the seized assets at over 6 billion forint during a speech in Berlin.

Smuggling investigation and arrests

The Hungarian authorities are also investigating Áron Orbán, the younger brother of Viktor Orbán, regarding organized people smuggling. Áron Orbán was detained on November 9, 2026, on suspicion of involvement in the smuggling scheme. Prime Minister Péter Magyar linked one of the recent arrests to Áron Orbán during a speech in Berlin.

The smuggling investigation involves a scheme where a company linked to Áron Orbán allegedly enrolled Vietnamese citizens in a two-day first aid course at the University of Pécs. This enrollment was allegedly used to facilitate the acquisition of Schengen visas. Investigators also allege that Áron Orbán personally intervened with a government commissioner to expedite the visa approval process.

Political reactions and context

Donald Tusk posted an ironic message on X regarding the corruption and smuggling cases in Hungary. Viktor Orbán characterized the ongoing investigations as a political reckoning. The former Prime Minister claimed the probes are an attempt to divert attention from other scandals related to the government.

These investigations are occurring following the Hungarian elections held on April 12, 2026.

Glossary

• University of Pécs — The University of Pécs is an institution that was formerly known as the Elisabeth University. It is a location where a two-day first aid course was allegedly used to facilitate the acquisition of Schengen visas.
• Budapest — Budapest is a city that was seen as the twin town of Vienna during the times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. It is also the seat of Pest County.
• Pest County — Pest County is a county whose seat is Budapest. Budapest itself is not part of Pest County.