The United States has imposed economic sanctions on Antal Rogan, head of the office of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, over his alleged involvement in corruption, Agence France-Presse reported, citing a statement from the US Treasury, BTA reports.
Rogan, who heads the information and communication service in Hungary, is accused of organizing corruption schemes to control key sectors of the economy. According to the statement, the proceeds from these schemes were diverted to him and to political parties loyal to the government.
“The United States will not hesitate to hold accountable individuals like Rogan, who abuse their position to enrich themselves and their allies at the expense of the Hungarian people,“ said Bradley Smith, acting undersecretary of the Treasury for terrorism and financial intelligence.
Antal Rogan is a long-time ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and is a key figure in managing his party's media strategy and election campaigns. In addition, he heads the country's secret services, a member of NATO, Reuters notes.
Tensions between the United States and Hungary have escalated under President Joe Biden, the reason being the warm relations of the Orban government with Russia despite the ongoing war in Ukraine. The Hungarian prime minister also remains one of the biggest supporters in Europe of former US President Donald Trump, the agency emphasizes.