Hungarian ex-minister Szijjártó Péter under bribery probe linked to BYD
Former Hungarian foreign affairs and trade minister Szijjártó Péter was appointed to a global leadership role at Chinese electric‑vehicle maker BYD. On 16 July, MP Tényi István filed a bribery complaint alleging that Szijjártó accepted illicit benefits and that his new position poses a national‑security risk.
The Budapest Chief Prosecutor's Office transferred the case to the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK), noting possible violation of Penal Code article 291(1). Because Szijjártó is no longer a member of parliament, he lacks parliamentary immunity. If convicted, the offence carries a maximum sentence of three years’ imprisonment.
Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has commented that the BYD appointment was “too public” and suggested it could be a reward for the former minister’s assistance in attracting the investment. The investigation remains ongoing and no indictment has been issued.
Entities: BYD · BYD Co. Ltd. · Budapest Police Headquarters · Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK) · István Tényi · Péter Szijjártó · Szijjártó Péter · Tényi István · Viktor Orbán
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Hungarian Parliament's National Security Committee is reviewing Szijjártó's BYD role for national‑security risks. (All articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] MP Tényi István filed a bribery complaint against Szijjártó Péter on 16 July. (All articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] The case was transferred from the Budapest Chief Prosecutor's Office to the Budapest Police Headquarters (BRFK). (All articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] If convicted, Szijjártó could face up to three years imprisonment under Hungarian Penal Code article 291(1). (All articles)
- [● 5 SOURCES] The investigation is ongoing and no indictment has been issued yet. (All articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said the BYD appointment was “too public” and suggested it could be a reward for Szijjártó. (All articles)
- [● 6 SOURCES] Szijjártó Péter was appointed to a global leadership position at BYD. (All articles)
- [● 4 SOURCES] Szijjártó Péter no longer has parliamentary immunity because he is no longer a member of parliament. (All articles)