OLAF investigates Széchenyi István University over EU fund allegations

The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) has launched an investigation into Széchenyi István University following allegations of financial misconduct involving EU funds. The probe focuses on a project at the university's Mosonmagyaróvár faculty, which is part of a larger nearly 10 billion forint program.

Politician Ákos Hadházy, who initially reported the matter, claims that while some developments were completed, significant sums may have been misappropriated. He specifically cited a case where a company linked to the ruling party received 287 million forints for the development of a “fake app.” Hadházy noted that the project, titled “Promotion and support of cooperation between educational institutions and ICT companies,” has since seen its associated website go silent.

Hadházy suggested that the investigation is a positive step and noted that the European Public Prosecutor's Office could also intervene if sufficient evidence is found. He expressed concern that Hungarian universities may be as heavily involved in the misuse of EU resources as other sectors of the state.