The most-reported criminal cases in Hungary this week, in brief, and what the law says about them. Everyone concerned is presumed innocent: only a final court judgment can find anyone guilty.
1. Former central bank governor taken into custody
On 21 October the Central Investigating Chief Prosecutor’s Office took the former governor of the Hungarian central bank (MNB) and other persons into custody and questioned them as suspects. According to the suspicion, control over a fund manager handling assets of almost HUF 200 billion was allegedly obtained through a sham securities-lending contract signed in February 2025; the prosecution refers to economic fraud causing a particularly significant financial loss. The suspects refused to testify; the prosecution has sought pre-trial detention. (Infostart)
Legal background: police custody may last no more than 72 hours, during which the court decides on pre-trial detention, which may only be ordered on specific grounds (risk of flight, obstruction of evidence); the defence may propose a less restrictive measure, such as criminal supervision. Custody and pre-trial detention →
2. Fatal assault in Kecskemét
On the morning of 20 October a woman’s body was found among bushes on Kodály Zoltán tér. According to the police, the 22-year-old local suspect allegedly struck the woman several times during the night; the autopsy confirmed injuries consistent with an assault. The man was taken into custody on suspicion of bodily harm resulting in death and his pre-trial detention has been sought. (Telex)
Legal background: bodily harm resulting in death carries 2 to 8 years’ imprisonment. What separates it from homicide is intent, which is why the forensic medical expert opinion is crucial. Assault and bodily harm → · Homicide →
3. Tax authority dismantles half-billion-forint invoice mill
According to the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV), since 2020 a company allegedly helped its clients unlawfully reduce their VAT with fictitious invoices – on paper for green-space maintenance – causing a loss of almost half a billion forints. Assets worth more than HUF 240 million were seized and 17 people were questioned as suspects; the alleged leader of the group was arrested at Budapest airport. (Telex)
Legal background: budget fraud (Section 396 of the Hungarian Criminal Code) causing a particularly large loss and committed in a criminal conspiracy or on a commercial basis carries 5 to 10 years. The sentence may be reduced without limit if the loss is repaid before the indictment. Tax and budget fraud →
4. Charges over the fatal crash on the Váci út flyover
According to the indictment, in April a 25-year-old foreign driver overtook across the solid line at well above the speed limit on the Váci út flyover in Budapest and hit several cars. Two people died. The prosecution has charged him with road endangerment resulting in death and criminal damage, and is seeking an immediate prison sentence, permanent expulsion and a permanent driving ban; the accused is in pre-trial detention. (444)
Legal background: road endangerment is an intentional offence, so it is punished considerably more severely than negligently causing a road accident. The technical expert reconstruction of speed and trajectory can be decisive. Road traffic offences →
5. Drunk and drugged, fleeing from the police (Szekszárd)
An off-duty police officer saw a visibly drunk 32-year-old man get into a car. According to the police, the driver ignored signals to stop and sped away, almost hit the officers trying to stop him, and finally crashed into a parked car. Both the breathalyser and the rapid drug test were positive; the unlicensed man was taken into custody, and proceedings have also been opened for violence against an official person and road endangerment. (Zsaruhírek)
Legal background: drink- or drug-driving combined with violence against an official person and road endangerment – especially with a prior record – can lead to an immediate prison sentence. Drink-driving →
6. Cannabis plants in a flat in Eger
On 20 October police in Eger arrested a 48-year-old local man suspected of distributing cannabis from his home. A plant substance was found on him and several cannabis plants in the flat. He was questioned as a suspect of drug possession and taken into custody, and his pre-trial detention has been sought. (Heol)
Legal background: the difference in sentencing between possession and trafficking is huge. Whether it is personal use or distribution depends on the active-ingredient content and other evidence; for a small quantity for personal use, diversion may also be an option. Drug offences →
Are you or a family member facing criminal proceedings in Hungary? Ask for a lawyer before your first interview – available day and night in English: Dr. László-Tamás Benő +36 70 379 0245. Contact →
This press review is our own summary based on public media sources; it is for information only and does not constitute legal advice.