Siyarto case transferred to police: former Hungarian FM suspected of bribery from BYD

From prosecution to police: change in investigation status

On August 7, 2026, it was announced that there has been a fundamental change in the investigation against former Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. The case regarding suspicion of accepting a bribe has been officially transferred from the Capital Investigation Prosecution Office to the Budapest Metropolitan Police Department (BRFK). This decision is final and cannot be appealed. The transfer of the case to the police became possible after Szijjártó resigned from his parliamentary seat in July of this year, thereby losing his parliamentary immunity.

Investigative authorities have classified the politician's actions as obtaining undue advantage for the benefit of a business organization. If guilt is proven, the former minister faces criminal punishment in the form of imprisonment for up to three years. The initiator of the inquiry was public figure István Tényi, who reported a possible case of corruption related to the official's new employment.

Appointment at BYD as a 'thank you' for the Szeged plant

At the center of the investigation is Péter Szijjártó's move to a leadership position at the Chinese automotive giant BYD. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán publicly expressed the opinion that this appointment could be a form of public 'gratitude' for the assistance provided to the Chinese company while Szijjártó served as Foreign Minister. This refers to the construction of a large BYD plant in the city of Szeged, the implementation of which became one of the key projects of the Hungarian government in attracting foreign investment.

Parallel investigations: from subsidies to Kremlin ties

The corruption investigation is not the only challenge for the former politician. In parallel with the criminal case, the Parliament's Committee on National Security is examining risks associated with a high-ranking official moving into a Chinese corporate structure. Furthermore, the new authorities of the country have initiated a comprehensive review of state benefits and subsidies granted to BYD. Official bodies are also investigating possible secret contacts between Szijjártó and the Russian leadership, which could be classified as treason. This creates a complex legal and political situation surrounding the figure of the former minister.