Accused of fraud in Hungary? English-speaking criminal defence lawyer

If the Hungarian police have summoned you as a suspect for fraud (csalás), or a complaint has been filed against you over a deal, a loan, an online sale or a contract, your defence should be planned before the first interview. We defend clients in Budapest and throughout Hungary.

Dr. László-Tamás Benő: +36 70 379 0245 (0–24)

Call now: Dr. László-Tamás Benő

What does Hungarian law say?

Under Section 373 of the Hungarian Criminal Code (Btk.), fraud is committed by anyone who, for unlawful gain, deceives another person or keeps them in error and thereby causes a loss. Not every unpaid debt or failed business deal is fraud: criminal liability requires intent to deceive at the time of the agreement.

Typical cases include taking an advance payment with no intention to perform, borrowing money with no intention to repay, online marketplace cases, investment scams and insurance fraud.

What penalty can you face?

Minor loss (HUF 50,001–500,000), or a petty-offence value committed in association, at the scene of a public emergency, on a commercial scale, or by pretending to collect donations for charity: misdemeanour, up to 2 years
Larger loss (HUF 500,001–5,000,000), or a minor loss with an aggravating circumstance: up to 3 years
Substantial loss (HUF 5–50 million), or a larger loss with an aggravating circumstance: 1 to 5 years
Particularly large loss (HUF 50–500 million), or a substantial loss with an aggravating circumstance: 2 to 8 years
Particularly substantial loss (over HUF 500 million), or a particularly large loss with an aggravating circumstance: 5 to 10 years

Important: compensating the victim is always a significant mitigating factor. Where the maximum penalty is 3 years and the suspect confesses and compensates the loss before the indictment, criminal liability may even lapse (active repentance).

What should you do now?

Do not give a substantive statement before speaking to a defence lawyer; you have the right to remain silent.
As a foreign national you are entitled to an interpreter and may ask the authorities to notify your consulate.
Collect contracts, messages, invoices and proof of bank transfers.

How we help

Showing the absence of intent to deceive: separating a civil dispute from a criminal offence
Reviewing the value of the loss and the legal classification
Challenging asset freezes and seizures
Preparing compensation, mediation or active repentance
Representation during the investigation and in court

Frequently asked questions

Is it fraud if I could not repay a loan?

Not in itself. It is fraud if the borrower already knew at the time of borrowing that they would not repay and deceived the lender. If payment problems arose later, it is usually a civil matter.

Will it help if I compensate the loss?

Yes. Compensation is a significant mitigating factor and in certain cases can end criminal liability. The timing should be agreed with your lawyer.

Can I leave Hungary during the investigation?

It depends on the coercive measures ordered against you. Ask us before travelling.

Call us now, day or night

Dr. László-Tamás Benő: +36 70 379 0245

Office: Falk Miksa utca 4, mezzanine 4, 1055 Budapest (by appointment only)