National Ambulance Service under investigation for procurement mismanagement

The National Bureau of Investigation (NNI) has launched an investigation into suspected mismanagement regarding the procurement of ambulances by the National Ambulance Service (OMSZ). The investigation follows a report filed by the OMSZ itself and is currently targeting unknown perpetrators.

On August 11, investigators conducted searches and seizures at two Budapest locations: the OMSZ headquarters on Markó Street and the Róbert Károly körút base station. Authorities reportedly seized documents, invoices, and data storage devices related to the purchase and repair of emergency vehicles.

The probe follows an extensive internal audit announced in June by acting director Miklós Constantinovics, which involves reviewing the organization’s contracts, real estate, and its fleet of 1,027 vehicles. Public procurement data indicates that several multi-billion forint tenders for ambulances lacked competition, often featuring only a single bidder or a specific consortium. One recurring participant in these contracts has been the state-owned BM HEROS group, which previously secured significant contracts for vehicle deliveries and maintenance.