Óbuda corruption case: KNyF detains multiple individuals on Tuesday
The Central Investigation Prosecutor's Office conducted a coordinated operation at several local authorities. More than 70 officials participated in the searches and seizures.
KNyF raid at multiple local authorities in Óbuda corruption case
The Central Investigation Prosecutor's Office (KNyF) conducted coordinated investigative measures on Tuesday at several local authorities – the prosecutor's office announced. According to Telex, the so-called Óbuda corruption case involves investigations into the criminal offence of trading in influence committed through bribery and other crimes.
More than 70 officials participated in Tuesday's operation at numerous locations. "During the large-scale procedural measures, prosecutors are conducting searches and seizures, and decisions have also been made regarding the detention and production of multiple individuals," the prosecutor's office statement said. The prosecutor's office promises more detailed information after the completion and evaluation of initial investigative measures.
KNyF investigators already appeared at Békásmegyer Market, which belongs to the District III local authority, at the end of March. Kiss László, the Democratic Coalition mayor of the district, confirmed at the time that investigators were requesting cleaning contracts.
Kiss László returned to the city hall last May after spending nine months in prison. The prosecutor's office detained him in August 2024: according to the reasoned suspicion, in October 2019, after being elected mayor, Kiss agreed with an acquaintance that companies belonging to his interests would regularly receive contracts from the local authority. In return, he and other individuals working at the local authority had to pay back money.
According to the prosecutor's office, the local authority concluded fictitious, overpriced contracts with several companies established for this purpose. Kiss faced suspicion of abuse of authority, bribery committed in association and in a commercial manner, and other crimes. The mayor has denied the accusations from the outset; the Democratic Coalition's position is that several high-ranking state officials ordered the proceedings against him.
Whether Tuesday's operation is connected to the previously formulated suspicion has not yet been clarified. Kiss László did not respond publicly to the KNyF operation: in his most recent Facebook post on Tuesday morning, he wished people a good morning and a successful week.
Source: Telex