A recent investigation has brought to light allegations that Hungary's Information Office (IH), likened to the CIA in function, engaged in surveillance activities against EU officials visiting the country.
Specifically, the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) investigators, who were in Hungary to look into a company linked to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's son-in-law, were reportedly followed, had their phone calls wiretapped, and their laptops hacked.
These actions are claimed to have occurred between 2015 and 2017.
Bertalan Havasi, press chief of Orbán's office, dismissed the allegations as "fake news," indicating no substantive response from the Hungarian government on the matter.
This incident adds to the ongoing concerns about surveillance practices in Hungary, where the government has previously been accused of targeting journalists, activists, and opposition figures with spyware.
These allegations, if true, could strain relations further between Hungary and the EU, especially given Budapest's history of contentious interactions with EU institutions over governance and rule of law issues
A joint investigation by Hungarian investigative media center Direkt36 and the Belgian newspaper De Tijd has uncovered a detailed scenario where Hungary’s intelligence agency, the Information Office (IH), purportedly conducted extensive surveillance on EU officials, particularly those from the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF). Here's an expanded view of the scenario based on available data:
Surveillance Methods:
Physical Tracking: OLAF officials were followed during their car journeys around Hungary, suggesting a coordinated effort to monitor their movements in real-time.
Wiretapping: Their phone conversations were allegedly recorded, which would have provided Hungarian intelligence with insights into ongoing investigations and possibly strategic discussions.
Digital Espionage: There are claims that the officials' laptops were hacked, which could mean sensitive documents or communications were accessed or copied. This would involve sophisticated cyber capabilities, potentially involving spyware or other hacking tools.
Context of the Surveillance:
The OLAF investigators were in Hungary specifically to probe a company associated with István Tiborcz, the son-in-law of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. This investigation was part of a broader look into the potential misuse of EU funds by Hungarian entities, which has been a point of contention between Hungary and the EU for years.
The surveillance is said to have taken place from 2015 to 2017, a period when Hungary was under scrutiny for its handling of EU financial allocations and governance practices.
Political and Intelligence Backdrop:
Hungary has been accused of creating an environment where intelligence and surveillance are wielded to consolidate political power. This incident fits into a pattern where the Hungarian government has been criticized for using surveillance tools against critics and independent media, with previous reports detailing the use of Pegasus spyware against journalists and opposition figures.
The IH reportedly established an entire department dedicated to spying on EU institutions, indicating a strategic approach to intelligence gathering that might be aimed at preempting or influencing EU policies or investigations against Hungary.
Reactions and Implications:
Hungarian Government Response: Bertalan Havasi, press chief of Orbán's office, has dismissed these allegations as "fake news," which reflects the government's typical response to criticism regarding its surveillance practices.
EU's Stance: The EU has not provided a direct comment on these specific allegations, but there's an ongoing tension regarding Hungary's compliance with EU laws and values, particularly around democracy, rule of law, and judicial independence. Such revelations could further complicate Hungary's relationship with the EU, potentially affecting financial aid and political trust.
Public and International Reaction: There's been a mix of skepticism and concern from both within Hungary and internationally, especially among those who advocate for transparency and privacy. Protests in Hungary have occurred previously when similar surveillance allegations surfaced, indicating public unrest over privacy issues.
Scenario Implications:
This scenario underscores the potential for intelligence activities to be used as political tools within the EU, highlighting the need for stronger oversight and safeguards against misuse of surveillance by member states.
It also questions the security measures of EU delegations when visiting member states, suggesting that there might be vulnerabilities in how EU officials protect sensitive information during international missions.
This scenario paints a picture of a sophisticated and possibly state-sanctioned surveillance operation aimed at gathering intelligence that could benefit Hungary politically or economically by potentially influencing or undermining EU probes into its affairs. However, without direct confirmation or further evidence, these remain allegations that are part of a broader narrative of intelligence and political maneuvering within the EU.
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