School corruption: four investigations underway, one case closed with prosecution recommendation
Four corruption proceedings are currently underway against educational district centres and schools, with one consolidated case closed after a prosecution recommendation was made.
Four active corruption investigations in education, one case closed with prosecution recommendation
According to information from Google News HU — Crime (hu), police are currently conducting four ongoing criminal proceedings involving corruption cases affecting educational district centres and schools – confirmed by the National Police Headquarters (ORFK) to Népszava. In January, police reported five active cases: since then, two proceedings have been consolidated and subsequently closed with a prosecution recommendation, while one new proceeding has been initiated on suspicion of accepting a bribe.
Among the four ongoing cases is an investigation involving the Central Budapest Educational District Centre and the Fehérgyarmat Deák Ferenc General School, Grammar School and Boarding School. The ORFK did not provide more detailed information, citing the interests of the ongoing investigations.
The former head of economics at the Central Budapest Educational District Centre was taken into custody in April 2024 on suspicion of corruption and misappropriation of funds, as well as drug possession. The headmaster of Fehérgyarmat Deák Ferenc school was questioned by police in December 2024 on well-founded suspicion of embezzlement and breach of duty.
The publication previously reported that in January 2025, nine criminal proceedings were still underway involving educational institutions – including investigations initiated for abuse of office, embezzlement and breach of duty. In four of these cases, the investigation has since been discontinued.
The Tisza government reviewed the operations of educational district centres and the Klebelsberg Centre (KK) which exercises supervision over them during the summer of this year. The review uncovered several irregularities: the KK established an approval system for managing educational district financial, IT and donation decisions for which it had no legal authority. Additionally, it failed to establish adequate control mechanisms either in its own administration or in the oversight of educational districts, which increased financial and integrity risks. Some expenditures were covered from funds intended for salaries.
The publication contacted the Ministry of Education and Child Affairs to ask whether the review found irregularities in the operation of educational district centres beyond those found at the KK. The ministry promised to respond at a later date.
Source: Google News HU — Crime (hu)