In the forests of Hungary excavated millions of dollars and euros ex-Minister Shestak

In Hungary, investigators seized more than 5 billion forints, €2.6 million and $1.2 million in cash in the case of former National Development Minister Miklós Šestak. The money was found in forests, buildings and a safe, the National Asset Return and Protection Administration said.

On November 12 and 13, investigators conducted searches in Budapest, as well as in the regions of Pest, Bekesh and Nograd. The money was found buried in forests, hidden in agricultural, warehouse and residential premises, as well as in an expensive safe located in a secluded place.

"The total amount of cash found in the two days of searches was 5,071,632,000 forints, €2,658,350 and $1,257,100," the agency said in a statement.

The money was transferred to the Hungarian State Treasury. The Ministry thanked the staff of the National Bureau of Investigation and the police for their assistance in conducting investigative actions. The Tax and Customs Service also provided assistance.

In late October, the Budapest Metropolitan Court reported that Shestak was suspected of hiding 9 billion forints (about $ 27.3 million) in cash before interrogation. During a search in the house of the former Minister, investigators found empty safes, which, according to investigators, were previously money.

Shestak was arrested on September 28. A few days later, the court sent him to jail.

According to investigators, in 2015-2018, Shestak and the former head of the state asset management company Norbert Siwek, through intermediaries, received more than 11 billion forints (more than $33 million) from companies associated with the bus carrier Volánbusz. Shestak denied the charges.