Hungast executives accused of paying multi‑million forint bribes to Hungarian local politicians

Prosecutors say two senior executives of the Hungast group paid bribes amounting to 5‑6 % of contract values to municipal politicians across several districts. According to testimonies, cash payments of 10‑20 million forints were handed over at the company's headquarters on Fehérvári út and at other sites. The money allegedly secured favourable procurement contracts for school and municipal catering, with politicians agreeing not to contest contract awards or pricing. The alleged scheme also involved inflated park‑maintenance contracts that generated additional kick‑backs. Hungast declined comment, citing an ongoing legal process.

The investigation links the bribery to the company's role as a major provider of public‑sector catering to districts in Budapest’s II and III districts and to the city of Pécs. Officials involved are accused of facilitating the flow of funds in exchange for political protection of Hungast’s contracts.