Almost $20 million seized in Hungary in bribery probe against former minister in Orbán government

In depth

Authorities in Hungary seized nearly $20 million in cash as part of a bribery investigation against a former minister in the government of Viktor Orbán. The money was hidden in forests, warehouses and secret safes.

At the center of the investigation is the former minister, suspected of receiving bribes and benefits worth more than $37 million. In a separate case, another former minister and the head of the central bank were also arrested on suspicion of corruption.

Counting the cash took 12 Finance Ministry employees, eight hours and five banknote-counting machines. The new prime minister is leading a wave of arrests of senior former officials, and support for Orbán's party has fallen to just 16%.