U.S. Sanctions top Orban aide for corruption crackdown

Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the State Department, stated that during his time in government, including his role as the minister overseeing Orban's cabinet, Rogan developed strategies to dominate key sectors of Hungary's economy. Miller emphasized that Rogan was instrumental in establishing a system that prioritized his and his party's interests, often at the expense of the Hungarian population.

The spokesperson added that Rogan's activities are a symbol of a broader climate of impunity in Hungary, where oligarchs and undemocratic players have captured key elements of the state.

The imposed sanctions are another move by the current U.S. administration toward Hungarian officials, although Rogan is the closest official to the Hungarian Prime Minister to be subjected to restrictions. Besides being the head of the prime minister's cabinet, he also controls a range of other state agencies.

The sanctions were imposed under the Global Magnitsky Act, which allows for punishment for corruption and human rights violations. As a result of Tuesday's move, Rogan faces a ban on entry and the freezing of any of his assets in the U.S. and American banks.

At a press conference on Tuesday, outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Budapest David Pressman described Rogan as the primary architect, operator, and beneficiary of a corruption system. He accused the minister of using his position to enrich himself and individuals loyal to his party who held influential roles.

According to Pressman, high-ranking Hungarian government officials have used their authority for too long to enrich themselves and their families, transferring significant funds to private accounts.

In a statement issued by the U.S. Treasury Department, it was noted that due to a lack of action on corruption in the public procurement system, Hungary recently lost 1 billion euros (approximately 1.1 billion U.S. dollars) in funds from the European Union.