György Matolcsy interrogated as suspect in MNB-Erste Bank probe

The National Bureau of Investigation (NNI) has interrogated former Hungarian National Bank (MNB) Governor György Matolcsy and six others as suspects in an official misconduct investigation. The probe follows a report filed by the current leadership of the MNB regarding alleged regulatory pressure exerted on Erste Bank.

The investigation stems from allegations made by former MNB Governor András Simor, who claimed that in December 2023, an MNB deputy governor used supervisory powers to blackmail Erste Bank. Simor alleged that the bank's leadership was threatened with strict regulatory actions to force his resignation from the Erste Group supervisory board in Vienna.

Authorities conducted searches at the homes of all seven suspects and seized data from their mobile devices. While Matolcsy has denied involvement, stating he was not present during any such discussions and issued no such instructions, the investigation into the alleged abuse of official authority continues.