Orban’s allies move assets abroad, seek US visas following Hungary election defeat - report

Coverage Comparison

The Guardian first reported on Sunday that dozens of private jets carrying wealth amassed during Viktor Orbán’s 16 years in power have been departing Vienna, according to sources. The story was subsequently picked up by the Jerusalem Post, which summarized the Guardian’s findings. Both outlets agree on the core narrative: after Orbán’s landslide defeat to Péter Magyar earlier this month, members of the Fidesz inner circle are scrambling to safeguard their fortunes abroad.

The Guardian’s reporting goes into greater depth, providing details on the destinations of these assets and the individuals involved. The Jerusalem Post, while shorter, includes the same essential facts, including the claim that some Orbán allies are seeking work at U.S. institutions linked to the MAGA movement. Neither outlet has independently verified all claims, and some details rest on single sources or unconfirmed allegations.

Key Claims

• Wealth transfer abroad: Sources told The Guardian that assets are being moved to Middle Eastern countries—Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UAE—as well as to Australia and Singapore. This claim is repeated by the Jerusalem Post and appears to be based on two Fidesz sources cited by The Guardian.
• US visa exploration: High-level figures close to Orbán are reportedly looking into U.S. visa options, hoping to find work at institutions aligned with the Make America Again (MAGA) movement. This is reported by both outlets, with the Jerusalem Post adding that they are “exploring US visa options” but not providing additional sourcing.
• Orbán’s daughter and son-in-law: The Jerusalem Post reported that Orbán’s eldest daughter and son-in-law, Istvan Tiborcz, moved to New York City in the summer of 2025. This detail appears only in the Jerusalem Post and has not been confirmed by The Guardian’s extract.
• Magyar’s accusations: Magyar has publicly alleged that “Orbán-linked oligarchs are transferring tens of billions of forints to the UAE, the US, Uruguay, and other distant countries.” He has also called on the chief prosecutor, police chief, and head of the tax office to “detain the criminals” and “not allow them to flee.” These quotes are attributed to Magyar and reported by both outlets.
• Mészáros family: Magyar expects Lőrinc Mészáros, Hungary’s richest individual, and his family to leave the country. Mészáros’s company did not respond to The Guardian’s request for comment, as noted in both articles.
• Orbán’s U.S. visit: Both outlets note that Orbán is scheduled to visit the U.S. in June or July, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup. This is described as an expectation, not a confirmed fact, and the sources are not specified.
• Document destruction: Magyar has repeatedly alleged that potentially incriminating documents are being destroyed during Orbán’s final weeks in power. This claim is mentioned only in The Guardian’s extract and is attributed to Magyar, but no evidence is provided.

Perspectives

The Outgoing Fidesz Circle

According to Fidesz sources cited by The Guardian, the asset transfers are a precautionary measure. They emphasize that the moves are to safe jurisdictions and that individuals are seeking legitimate employment, such as at MAGA-linked institutions. No official statement from Orbán or his party has been issued, and the sources remain anonymous.

The Incoming Tisza Government

Péter Magyar’s public statements portray the transfers as an attempt to evade accountability. He has called for legal action to prevent individuals from fleeing, and his allegations suggest a broader concern about corruption during Orbán’s tenure. His calls for detention and non-extradition indicate a confrontational approach.

Independent Observers

Neither The Guardian nor the Jerusalem Post offers an independent verification of these claims. The reports rely on anonymous sources and Magyar’s public statements. The lack of corroboration from Hungarian authorities or financial records means the extent of the asset transfers remains unconfirmed. Observers may view these reports as either credible journalism or politically motivated leaks, depending on their perspective.

As Hungary prepares for the transition of power, the veracity of these claims will likely be tested in the coming months. For now, the public is left with a picture of a ruling elite in retreat, but the full story remains elusive.