Viktor Orbán's brother arrested in Hungary on suspicion of human trafficking

Áron Orbán, the brother of former Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, was reportedly arrested on Monday on suspicion of involvement in an alleged human trafficking network, according to reports published by Hungarian media and shared by the country's current prime minister, Péter Magyar.

The police operation took place in Budapest and two other locations in Pest County, where authorities confirmed several arrests and searches of private residences as part of two criminal investigations.

The news prompted a strong reaction from Viktor Orbán, who accused the government of using state institutions to persecute its political opponents.

"I am the target. My brother is merely a tool," the former nationalist leader wrote on Facebook, describing the operation as a "low blow."

Alleged scheme involving work visas in exchange for money

Investigators are examining an alleged network that facilitated work visas for foreign nationals in exchange for financial payments, reportedly bypassing standard administrative procedures.

According to Hungarian media reports, the case involves a group of businesspeople and individuals with political connections who allegedly offered to arrange entry and work permits in Hungary.

Áron Orbán was involved in several business ventures during his brother's 16 years in power, some of which experienced significant growth during that period.

Last year, several journalistic investigations highlighted possible connections between one of his companies and an alleged operation aimed at securing work visas for foreign nationals.

These allegations form part of the background to the investigation, although Áron Orbán's specific involvement has yet to be established through judicial proceedings.

Police confirm multiple arrests and searches

The news of the former prime minister's brother being detained was initially reported by Kontroll, a media outlet owned by Márton Magyar, the brother of Hungary's current prime minister.

Péter Magyar subsequently shared the report on social media, stating that Áron Orbán had been taken into police custody on suspicion of human trafficking.

For their part, Hungarian police confirmed an operation involving several arrests, although their initial statement did not publicly identify everyone detained.

Authorities also reported that searches were being conducted at properties linked to individuals under investigation, while further inquiries continued to establish the circumstances of the alleged offences.

Viktor Orbán denounces political persecution

The arrest comes amid intense political tensions between Viktor Orbán and Péter Magyar, who took office in May 2026 after bringing an end to 16 years of governments led by the nationalist politician.

Magyar won the April election on a promise to fight corruption and dismantle what he described as the "Orbán system", referring to the political and institutional power structures established under previous administrations.

The former prime minister, however, argues that investigations launched under the new government are part of a broader strategy of political persecution.

Reacting to his brother's reported arrest, Orbán claimed that the authorities' real objective was to eliminate political opponents, using his brother as a means of damaging his reputation.

These allegations reflect the former leader's interpretation of events and do not, in themselves, establish that the investigation is politically motivated.

The case remains open, and the judicial investigation will determine any potential criminal responsibility among those allegedly involved in the suspected human trafficking and irregular visa facilitation network.