Biró Ferenc charged with 140 million forint corruption offences

Hungarian Integrity Authority chief Biró Ferenc said he will not file a complaint, asserting that it is the prosecutor’s duty to pursue any crime. He maintained that his recent meeting with Justice Minister Bence Tuzson and EU Minister János Bóka concerned the agency’s powers and that he had proposed expanding its investigative mandate.

Later, the Central Prosecutor’s Office filed a criminal indictment against Biró and his wife, accusing them of causing over 140 million forint in damage. The charge sheet alleges misuse of a leased luxury van whose fuel costs were covered by the agency, unlawful contracts with a Brussels consultancy, improper use of agency funds for personal travel and other expenses, and placement of an unqualified family friend in a paid position. Prosecutors seek imprisonment, a fine and seizure of assets worth 23 million forint.