Hungary's transport ministry recovers billions and expands toll audit

Hungary's Ministry of Transport and Investments has recovered 2.27 billion forints following an audit of state electronic toll collection contracts executed under former minister János Lázár. Transport Minister Dávid Vitézy confirmed the money was returned by a private equity fund linked to businessman Lőrinc Mészáros after officials reviewed the previous administration's 64.5 billion forint acquisition of three toll companies.

Following the recovery, authorities expanded their investigation to examine public procurement contracts awarded to IT businessman Gábor Emőri, who spent 12 years building and managing key parts of the national toll system. Officials are continuing to review past state deals to identify further financial irregularities.

Sources: 444, HVG, Telex