Hungary revamps intelligence leadership and probes former anti‑terrorism chief in cash‑transfer scandal

Hungary’s new government under Prime Minister Péter Magyar has carried out a sweeping overhaul of the national intelligence apparatus. In June the heads of four key agencies – the Constitution Protection Office, the Information Office, the Special Service for National Security and the Military National Security Service – were dismissed, followed by the removal of the director of the National Information Centre in early July. New appointments include Brigadier General Szabolcs Tóth heading the Special Service for National Security and Zsolt Antal Annus taking over the Constitution Protection Office. The shake‑up is framed as a move to restore confidence among EU and NATO partners after years of controversy over Russian intelligence activities and alleged security breaches.

Separately, investigators have launched a criminal inquiry into Janos Hajdu, former head of Hungary’s Counter Terrorism Centre (TEK), over the unlawful detention of Ukrainian nationals linked to the "Gold Convoy" cash‑and‑gold transfer from Austria to Ukraine. The probe may extend to former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who denies any orders related to the operation. In the same period, Budapest hosted its first post‑Orban Pride rally, drawing about 50,000 participants and featuring a joint display of national and Pride flags on the Elisabeth Bridge.

These developments signal a broader shift in Hungary’s internal security policies and political climate, with implications for its relationships within the European security framework.