"They tremble who should tremble".

In recent weeks, Hungarian authorities have uncovered a widespread corruption scheme involving local politicians and private companies operating within the city district of Óbuda. According to prosecutors, the case spans multiple years and involves significant sums of money being exchanged between public officials and business leaders. The investigation has already led to the arrest of six politicians and two entrepreneurs, who are now under formal suspicion for alleged bribery and abuse of power.

The central element of the scandal revolves around the Hungast group, one of Hungary's largest catering service providers. Prosecutors allege that two senior executives of this company regularly paid bribes to local politicians over several years. These payments were reportedly made in cash, with amounts ranging from 10 million to 20 million forints per transaction. Some of these bribes were allegedly handed over directly in the company’s headquarters on Fehérvári Street or in the office of the parent company in Budapest. Additionally, a safe in the home of one of the accused individuals was found containing eight million forints, while another safe located near the Mol Tower contained fifteen million forints—both believed to be part of the illicit transactions.

According to statements made during the investigation, the Hungast executives allegedly paid bribes equivalent to five to six percent of the contract value as a form of protection money. This would allow them to secure contracts without facing competition, ensuring their dominance in the public catering sector. In return, the politicians allegedly ensured that contracts were awarded to Hungast and its affiliated companies, even when other bids were more competitive. Furthermore, these officials did not publicly criticize the pricing or quality of services provided by Hungast, which could have undermined the company’s reputation.

Another major aspect of the case involves the maintenance of public parks, particularly the Pannon Park Forest Ltd., which is said to have been controlled by an individual named Z. Zsolt. According to his testimony, he acted as an intermediary, facilitating the transfer of funds between businesses and politicians. He claimed that he received payments from Hungast, which were then passed on to local officials in exchange for favorable treatment in public tenders. His role in the park maintenance scheme dates back to around 2015–2016, when he began receiving payments from Hungast on a quarterly basis.

The scope of the investigation extends beyond just the catering industry and park maintenance. It appears that the corrupt practices were deeply embedded in the functioning of the Óbuda municipal administration. Employees within the administration described a system where political figures either had to pay off others or attempt to suppress potential rivals. The corruption affected nearly all areas of local governance, including green space management, industrial land reclassification, public catering, and parking regulations.

Local workers within the Óbuda municipality expressed concern about the ongoing investigations. One employee, referred to as M., noted the high level of tension among staff members since the start of the probe. They mentioned that the police conduct house searches almost every Tuesday, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. This pattern of activity suggests that the investigation is expanding rapidly, potentially implicating more individuals and organizations.

The involvement of both Fidesz-affiliated and left-wing politicians indicates that the corruption was not limited to a single political faction. Instead, it seems to have been a systemic issue affecting the entire political landscape of Óbuda. Prosecutors estimate that over two billion forints in bribes may have been paid to local officials between 2011 and 2024, allowing certain businesses to win public contracts unfairly.

As the investigation continues, further details about the extent of the corruption and the identities of those involved are likely to emerge. The case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in local government operations, especially concerning public procurement processes. With the current momentum behind the investigation, it remains to be seen how many more individuals will be implicated and what long-term effects this scandal will have on the political environment in Óbuda.