“More fake news from The Guardian. Viktor Orbán is not traveling to the United States for an extended stay. In keeping with his past habits, he will be watching the World Cup final. Any rumors to the contrary are false and unfounded", the Hungarian government's Communications Center wrote in a statement on Monday.
The statement came in response to a Guardian article claiming that private jets have been constantly taking off from Vienna, allegedly carrying assets belonging to individuals who amassed fortunes during Orbán's time in office. The paper also said that it was aware that “high-ranking individuals close to Orbán have been looking into the possibility of obtaining U.S. visas.” An American official confirmed to the paper that the U.S. is being considered as an alternative destination by circles close to Fidesz.
“While Viktor Orbán is evading accountability, preparations to leave the country and smuggle out stolen assets are underway behind the scenes. Orbán’s oligarchs are transferring tens of billions of forints to the United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, the United States, and other faraway countries. “I have information that the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) has suspended several high-value transfers linked to Antal Rogán’s circle based on reports from banks, on suspicion of money laundering,” Péter Magyar said on Saturday, then called on the leaders of the National Tax and Customs Administration to immediately freeze the “stolen funds.” Magyar also said at the time that, to his knowledge, several oligarch families had already left the country, and that Lőrinc Mészáros’s family would also be flying to Dubai in the coming days.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the final taking place on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
For more quick, accurate and impartial news from and about Hungary, subscribe to the Telex English newsletter!