Search for Ádám Matolcsy handed over to National Investigation Office fugitive-hunting unit
European and international arrest warrants have been issued against Ádám Matolcsy and György Stofa in connection with the scandal surrounding MNB foundations. The National Investigation Office's fugitive search unit has taken over their search.
MNB scandal: fugitive hunters search for son of former central bank chief György Matolcsy
According to Daily News Hungary's information, Ádám Matolcsy – the son of György Matolcsy, the former president of the Hungarian National Bank – and his associate György Stofa are now being sought by the National Investigation Office (NNI), a specialised fugitive search unit, after the two men failed to report to the authorities.
Hungarian and European arrest warrants, as well as international notices, have been issued against them. Ádám Matolcsy and György Stofa were added to the Hungarian fugitive list on 21 October, followed by the European and international arrest warrants on 27 October. Their current whereabouts are unknown.
The police transferred the search for the two men to the NNI, which operates within the framework of the Ready Police. According to Telex, the case may have been handed over to the NNI's targeted fugitive search division, known colloquially as "bounty hunters". This suggests that finding and apprehending the suspects has become a priority for the authorities.
Officers of the unit specialise in tracking down individuals who deliberately evade the authorities – often by travelling abroad, obtaining false documents or attempting to establish new identities. The NNI has previously carried out several high-profile operations: in 2016, it arrested Mária Dobrai, known by the alias Márció the Broker, in Belize and brought her back to Hungary. It also brought back András Lakatos, a well-known fugitive. Investigators are currently cooperating with foreign authorities to exchange information in order to find those who may be hiding abroad. According to Telex, several investigators may be working on the case simultaneously.
The investigation focuses on the financial transactions and asset management of the MNB PADME foundation. According to prosecutors, a controversial securities-lending agreement – which also involved companies linked to the foundation – was aimed at ensuring that, after György Matolcsy's term as central bank chief ended, control over the foundation's assets would be transferred to individuals connected to his and his son's business interests.
György Matolcsy, who led the MNB between 2013 and 2025, was arrested on 21 October together with two associates: Mihály Valkó, a former company manager, and Tamás Sándor, a lawyer. On 23 October, a court ordered one month's remand in custody against them, although at the time of reporting the decision was not yet final, as the defendants had lodged an appeal.
Charges against Ádám Matolcsy and György Stofa have not yet been proven in court proceedings. The investigation is ongoing.
Source: Daily News Hungary