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3 clusters · 18 sources · 15 days · First seen · Last updated

Corruption investigations in North Macedonia and Hungary

Overview

In North Macedonia, the Prosecutor's Office for Organized Crime and Corruption halted its investigation into the ‘Mazut’ case, determining that evidence failed to establish criminal acts or prosecutable offenses. This decision was influenced by the lack of reported financial loss by AD ESM and data suggesting the reactivation of TEЦ Negotino was economically viable.

In Hungary, authorities have launched a criminal investigation into the state-owned Export-Import Bank (Eximbank) regarding allegations of mismanagement and abuse of office. The probe, initiated following complaints from the Ministry of Economy and Energy after an internal audit, targets four specific cases involving suspected irregularities and abuse of power.

A primary focus is a one billion euro loan granted to North Macedonia, which included a 3.25% interest rate and a full state guarantee. Prime Minister Péter Magyar has suggested that funds intended for Hungarian businesses may have been diverted to support a foreign political ally and companies linked to the previous administration of Viktor Orbán.

Other scrutinized cases include a 59 billion HUF financing deal related to the Sofitel hotel and a company linked to István Tiborcz, as well as a 126 billion HUF African infrastructure project involving Duna Aszfalt. To assist the inquiry, police have seized thousands of pages of internal documents from the Ministry of Economy and the Ministry of Interior. This investigation is part of a broader anti-corruption effort by the Magyar government, which includes the establishment of the National Authority for Asset Recovery and Protection (NVVH) to reclaim funds allegedly diverted to oligarchs and political associates.

Entities

Peter Magyar · Ministry of Economy · Eximbank · Magyar Export-Import Bank Zrt. · North Macedonia

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

Timeline

  1. 5 days ago

    [POLITICS] 3 sources
    Hungary launches criminal probe into Eximbank for alleged abuses

    Hungarian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into Eximbank for alleged abuses, including a one billion euro loan to North Macedonia, as part of a broader anti-corruption campaign.

  2. 10 days ago

    [POLITICS] 13 sources
    Eximbank investigation launched by Hungarian authorities

    Hungarian police have launched a criminal investigation into state-owned Eximbank for suspected abuse of office and mismanagement, including a €1 billion loan to North Macedonia.

  3. 20 days ago

    [CRIME] 2 sources
    North Macedonia halts investigation into ‘Mazut’ case

    The investigation into the ‘Mazut’ case in North Macedonia has been halted as authorities failed to prove criminal acts or specific financial damage to ESM.

Sources

blikk.hu · brif.mk · dailynewshungary.com · faktiditor.ch · faz.net · g7.hu · hir.ma · index.hu · klubradio.hu · magyarnarancs.hu · puterea.ro · racin.mk · safenews.md · shqipmedia.com · tetova1.mk · visionrdn.com · zdg.md · zhurnal.mk

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history