Key figure in Budapest corruption network receives plea bargain offer
The entrepreneur claims that he received a message from Fidesz political circles indicating that if he remained silent about government party involvement, he would be offered a lighter sentence in exchange.
Key figure in Budapest corruption network receives plea bargain offer
According to a major entrepreneur detained by the tax authority (NAV) on charges of organised crime fraud, he received a message from government party circles suggesting that if he remained silent about his connections with Fidesz politicians, he would be offered a significantly lighter sentence in return – reports 24.hu.
Z. Zsolt attempted to reach a settlement with the Central Prosecutorial Office of Investigation. In his interrogations in spring, he mentioned exclusively left-wing figures.
However, in October 2024, he changed his earlier statements. The entrepreneur testified that through an intermediary, an incumbent member of parliament at the time brought him an offer which, citing a senior official of the Prosecutor General's Office, promised him 3 years and 2 months' imprisonment. As a condition, he was required to fully disclose his corrupt dealings with left-wing politicians, but to keep his similar relationships with right-wing figures completely secret.
The entrepreneur also said that he was explicitly told whom he could trust with his representation. Since the promises did not materialise, in October he decided to also report on his Fidesz connections. The Prosecutor's Office of Baranya County was ultimately unwilling to reach a settlement with him.
Z. Zsolt described in detail the functioning of the corruption network. He spoke about the parking system in Zugló district, park maintenance contracts in districts II, III, XII and XIX, and catering deals. Among others, he mentioned Molnár Zsolt, Őrsi Gergely, Puskás Péter, Bánki Erik, Gór Csaba and Szkaliczki Tünde.
According to Telex's information, Czeglédy Gergely, who was arrested in summer 2024, gave testimony of similar content and his claims align with those of Z. Zsolt. According to Czeglédy, the redistributed sums were used for "party financing" on both sides.
Source: 24.hu