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Hungarian police investigate Paks II nuclear project funds
Hungarian police have launched an investigation into a nearly 80 billion forint capital increase related to the Paks II nuclear power plant project. The National Investigation Bureau's Corruption and Economic Crime Department ordered the probe on August 26, citing a reasonable suspicion of breach of trust causing particularly significant financial loss.
The investigation centers on a 79.63 billion forint payment made by the Hungarian state in late December, which was subsequently transferred to the Russian contractor, Atomstroyexport. This transaction occurred after the Court of Justice of the European Union had annulled the European Commission's decision to approve state aid for the project, citing concerns over EU procurement rules and the direct award of contracts to a Russian entity.
Politician Bence Tordai, who filed previous complaints, stated that the investigation could involve high-ranking officials, including Viktor Orbán, Péter Szijjártó, Márton Nagy, and Levente Magyar. Tordai noted that the funds were transferred despite warnings that such state aid would be illegal without valid EU authorization.
Entities
Atomstroyexport · Bence Tordai · Paks II. Atomerőmű Zrt. · Péter Szijjártó · Viktor Orbán
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The investigation concerns the suspected crime of breach of trust causing particularly significant financial loss. www.vg.hu · 24.hu
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Hungarian state executed a capital increase of approximately 79.63 billion forints in Paks II. Atomerőmű Zrt. in late December. www.vg.hu · 24.hu
- [● 3 SOURCES] The investigation may involve high-ranking officials including Viktor Orbán, Péter Szijjártó, Márton Nagy, and Levente Magyar. www.vg.hu · 24.hu
- [● 3 SOURCES] The funds were transferred to the Russian contractor, Atomstroyexport. www.vg.hu · 24.hu
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Court of Justice of the European Union previously annulled the European Commission's approval of state aid for the Paks II project. www.vg.hu · 24.hu
- [● 3 SOURCES] The National Investigation Bureau's Corruption and Economic Crime Department ordered an investigation on August 26. www.vg.hu · 24.hu