Hungarian Anti-Corruption Chief Charged Over Funds

Hungarian prosecutors have charged Ferenc Pal Biro, head of the country’s Integrity Authority, with several criminal offenses, including misuse of public funds.

According to investigators, the alleged misconduct caused losses of approximately €393,000 to the anti-corruption body.

Biro, who has led the Integrity Authority since its creation in 2022, denies the allegations. Earlier this year, he described the case as politically motivated and argued that it was intended to undermine the independence of the office.

Among the accusations is a claim that Biro leased two official vehicles from the authority, one of which was allegedly used by his wife.

Prosecutors have also questioned three contracts worth more than €280,000 awarded to a Brussels-based consulting firm. Investigators argue that the agreements were unrelated to the authority’s mission and included plans for a Brussels office that was never established.

The authority additionally faces scrutiny over the hiring of a family friend who allegedly lacked the required qualifications and security clearance.

The case comes as Hungary seeks to demonstrate progress in combating corruption. The European Commission has released €16.4bn in funding to Budapest following government commitments to strengthen anti-corruption measures.

(reuters, max)