Hungarian authorities detained multiple suspects in a crackdown on human trafficking, with Viktor Orbán confirming that his younger brother Áron Orbán was among those taken into custody, Nova.bg reported.
Authorities have not officially named the detained individuals, but Viktor Orbán confirmed his brother’s custody in a social media post.
“What is happening in Hungary is not accountability,” Viktor Orbán wrote, characterizing the operation as a political witch hunt designed to establish a one-party state. He claimed that he is the real target and that his younger brother is simply being used to reach him.
Current Prime Minister Péter Magyar responded by stating that the former prime minister immediately cast himself as the victim and confirmed the arrest before officials announced it. Magyar also posted poll results from the local agency Medián, showing his TISZA party leading in voter trust at 48%, ahead of Orbán’s Fidesz.
Viktor Orbán has confirmed that the investigating authorities have taken his younger brother, Áron Orbán, into custody. The former prime minister, as usual, immediately started pointing the finger at others and, like the 'brave' street fighter he claims to be, instantly cast… https://t.co/CoSdS1EBX4 pic.twitter.com/wy5uE1ItrI
Investigative reports previously linked Áron Orbán to business interests allegedly assisting foreign workers with residence permits. Telex reported that business connections tied to him may have helped Vietnamese nationals travel to Hungary through preferential work visas.
Central investigative prosecutors questioned four individuals earlier in connection with a related employment and recruitment case. Prosecutors stated those suspects promised trouble-free residence permits while claiming influence with powerful officials, dividing a 17,000 euro advance from a business owner.
The National Bureau of Investigation and the National Asset Recovery and Protection Agency conducted the operations in Budapest and Pest county, according to Mediapool.bg.
Telex reported that business interests connected to Áron Orbán, including his company Multi Shoot Zrt., may have assisted foreign nationals from Vietnam in obtaining work permits.