Former Hungarian Central Bank Chief Detained in Fraud Probe

György Matolcsy, the former governor of the National Bank of Hungary (MNB), was detained on Wednesday morning. This is part of a financial fraud investigation. The probe focuses on the central bank's foundations, which managed over €1 billion in public funds. Matolcsy, who led the MNB from 2013 to 2025, has denied any wrongdoing.

Key Details

Matolcsy was taken to the Central Chief Prosecution Office for Investigations. His lawyer, Pál Bátki, said Matolcsy is suspected of financial fraud that caused significant financial loss. He is also suspected of using a forged private document. Bátki noted that questioning had not yet started but was expected to occur later that day.

The prosecution office announced coordinated operations at multiple locations as part of the investigation into alleged breaches of trust. Prosecutors said they would provide more details later in the day after initial investigative steps were completed. Being detained does not mean that Matolcsy is in pre-trial custody. It is still unclear if he will be allowed to leave after questioning.

Background

This is not the first time Matolcsy has faced scrutiny. He was questioned in September about alleged abuse of office related to Erste Bank Hungary, part of Austria's Erste Group. He denied those allegations and was released after that questioning. The current MNB leadership and Hungary's State Audit Office have filed criminal complaints regarding the central bank's foundations. This includes concerns about Optima Investment, which managed nearly 500 billion forints.

Related coverage: Brazil Supreme Court Under Corruption Probe Before Election.

Based on reporting by: euronews.com