Latest news in Hungary - 23 May 2025

NAV Dismantles Major VAT Embezzlement Ring: The National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) has taken down a criminal organization suspected of embezzling nearly three billion forints in VAT since 2022, involving domestic sales of computer equipment. The operation included raids at 16 locations, leading to the seizure of luxury assets worth approximately 650 million forints and the detention of three suspects. Read more here

Bank Fraud Case Affects Hundreds: More than 600 clients of MBH Bank have reported unauthorized transfers totaling over 100 million forints, with many claiming the bank blames them for negligence. Victims, including associations and family businesses, are organizing to demand accountability as they receive uniform responses denying compensation. Read more here

Hungarian Astronaut's Launch Delayed: The Axiom Space Ax-4 mission, featuring Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu, has been postponed to June 8, 2025, after internal reviews confirmed preparations were complete. The mission will last approximately 14 days, during which the crew will conduct over 60 scientific projects aboard the International Space Station. Read more here

Bulgarian Man Dies During Police Action in Sopron: A 59-year-old Bulgarian man died during a police operation in Sopron on May 23, 2025, while they were investigating counterfeit 100-euro notes. The police are currently conducting an administrative investigation following the incident, where the man became unwell after resisting arrest and was handcuffed. Read more here

Public Discontent Grows Against Orbán's Regime: A recent survey reveals that a majority of Hungarians, 65%, believe Viktor Orbán's government primarily benefits the wealthy, with concerns particularly around healthcare and rising living costs. Interestingly, while 88% of Fidesz supporters view his leadership positively, nearly 60% of younger citizens disagree, signaling a growing divide in public sentiment as the 2026 elections approach. Read more here

Elderly Woman Scammed Out of 100 Million Forints: A retiree from Hajdú-Bihar lost 100 million forints after being lured into a fraudulent investment scheme by scammers who visited her in person. The police have arrested a 25-year-old courier connected to the case who was tasked with collecting the funds, and investigations are ongoing. Read more here

First Nonstop Smart Store Opens in Szeged: Coop Szeged Zrt. has launched Hungary's first nonstop smart store, allowing customers aged 18 and over to shop using a mobile app and QR codes outside regular hours. This innovative store is expected to improve customer access while maintaining current operational costs, following investments totaling nearly 300 million forints and inspired by models from Scandinavian countries. Read more here

Heroic Police Officer Saves Life in Miskolc: A police officer on his way home in Miskolc sprang into action after hearing a cry for help, administering CPR to a man who had collapsed from a heart attack. Thanks to his timely intervention and the swift arrival of paramedics, the man survived and is now recovering in the hospital. Read more here

Tisza Party's Popularity Surges: A recent Publicus study shows the Tisza Party has gained 43% support among definite voters, while Fidesz follows at 36%, marking a three-point increase for Tisza and a one-point decrease for Fidesz compared to last month. Overall, 70% of respondents express dissatisfaction with national circumstances, as the political landscape features significant undecided voters at 32%. Read more here

Tibi atya Joins Péter Magyar for a Walk: On May 22, Tibi atya was seen walking with Péter Magyar in Hajdú-Bihar, as shared by a popular Hungarian meme page. The social media post hints at a collaborative effort, with Tibi atya promising to share more details later. Read more here

-