Lóránt Horváth, a lawyer representing seven Ukrainian victims of the “Golden Convoy” incident, has requested the arrest of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and three other officials. The motion, according to an HVG report, alleges unlawful detention and abuse of office stemming from a March raid on a Ukrainian state bank convoy.
Why are officials facing potential arrest?
Lawyer Lóránt Horváth is seeking the detention of Viktor Orbán, Örs Farkas, János Hajdu, and Dr. Tamás Demeter. Horváth argues that the seven Ukrainian victims were subjected to unlawful detention and forced confession carried out for malicious and improper reasons. The motion states that these crimes carry a combined potential sentence of two to twelve years in prison. Horváth’s legal argument hinges on whether the actions taken against the Ukrainian money transporters were based on legitimate criminal procedure or were instead used to serve political, foreign policy, or government interests.
Horváth explains that the deprivation of personal liberty, appearance, interrogation, detention, or removal from the country must be justified under the Criminal Code’s specified conditions. If these actions were instead executed based on a prior political or administrative decision, they would constitute unlawful detention under the law. The lawyer also emphasizes the need to examine when and how decisions were made among authorities, as well as whether the process of detention, interrogation, and deportation ever lacked legal justification.
A June 9 internal prosecutor’s document, released by 444, confirms that the Metropolitan Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the potential criminal responsibility of these four individuals for unlawful detention and abuse of office.
The case originated in March when Hungarian authorities intercepted a convoy belonging to a Ukrainian state bank that was transporting a significant amount of cash. While the operation was initially launched under suspicion of money laundering, the scope of the investigation expanded to include allegations of unlawful detention.
According to a NAV internal report cited by 444, several potential legal and procedural violations occurred during the March operation. This has led to questions regarding the legality of the Supreme Prosecutor’s Office’s proceedings.
Gábor Nagy stated that the investigation is currently moving along two distinct tracks. One track focuses on suspected money laundering, while the second examines potential abuses and irregularities that may have occurred during the legal proceedings.
The investigation is expected to move toward the interrogation of suspects. Gábor Nagy indicated that developments are anticipated soon, though he did not provide specific new information or timelines.
Nagy emphasized that the prosecution remains an independent participant in the justice system and cannot accept instructions from the government. The legal proceedings will likely focus on determining the exact timing and nature of decisions made between various authorities during the interception and deportation of the Ukrainian nationals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which officials are named in the arrest motion?
The motion names Viktor Orbán, Örs Farkas, János Hajdu, and Dr. Tamás Demeter. - Who is representing the Ukrainian victims?
The seven Ukrainian victims are being represented by lawyer Lóránt Horváth.
Will the investigation ultimately determine if the March raid was a legal necessity or a political maneuver?
