Volánbusz Scandal: What We Know About Why One of Hungary's Wealthiest Was Detained
Authorities say the suspects are tied to a probe into alleged bus overpricing that caused about HUF 10 billion in damage.
- On Thursday, September 17, 2026, the Buda Central District Court ordered the arrest of billionaire businessman Dániel Jellinek and former Hungarian National Asset Management Company head Norbert Szivek in connection with a Volánbusz bribery investigation.
- The long-running investigation centers on transactions from 2015–2018, when authorities allege more than 600 used buses were purchased at inflated prices, causing around HUF 10 billion in financial damage to Volán companies.
- Investigators are also examining the purchase of a Volán company headquarters in Kecskemét, which allegedly caused at least HUF 550 million in financial damage, alongside suspected property projects and cash withdrawals exceeding HUF 1 billion.
- Prosecutors state the alleged offenses carry potential combined prison sentences of between five and 15 years, though defense lawyers have appealed the detention order and pre-trial detention does not establish guilt.
- Indotek Group rejected allegations against its CEO Jellinek, asserting he has fully cooperated with authorities, while investigators explore whether questioned individuals will provide information about other potential participants in the wider network.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Hungarian billionaire Dániel Jellinek, owner of a hotel and marina in Croatia, has been detained for a major corruption scandal weighing 27.6 million euros.
Prime Minister Péter Magyar announced on Thursday that investigations into the accumulation of wealth could be resumed, which would include not only the political elite but also several actors in the state administration. The prosecution has decided to arrest Norbert Szivek, the former president of the Hungarian National Wealth Management Association, and businessman Dániel Jellinek. Previously, five regional chamber presidents called on Elek Na…
Volánbusz case: five people have already been questioned as suspects
Three of the five suspects are in custody, and the court will decide on their arrest on Thursday.
A total of five people have been questioned as suspects in the corruption case, and three are in custody.
Three held as billion-forint bus bribery scheme unravels
Three people have been taken into custody in connection with a billion-forint bribery case involving Volánbusz Zrt., related to the provision of passenger transport services and the procurement of buses — the Central Investigation Chief Prosecutor's Office announced in a statement to MTI.
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