Áron Orbán ordered to one-month detention in human‑trafficking probe

The investigating judge at the Central District Court in Budapest ordered one month of pre-trial detention for Áron Orbán, the younger brother of former Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orbán, in a probe into alleged human trafficking, court sources said.

Áron Orbán and three associates were detained on Monday on suspicion of human trafficking after the public prosecutor requested arrest for all four. The judge also ordered the arrest of Áron Orbán’s partner; another suspect, identified only as G. B., was placed under criminal supervision and forbidden to leave Hungary, while a fourth, M. J., was allowed to remain free and defend himself.

Judge cites risk of flight and risk of influence

A court spokesperson told reporters that the judge found the three suspects at risk of fleeing or hiding because they maintain broad international connections, which justified detention in their cases. In the cases of Áron Orbán and his partner the judge additionally determined there was a risk that they could exert influence, so a softer measure would not suffice.

Defence counsel Áron Orbán’s lawyer, Eva Edit Szalhaz, said in a written statement that weeks before the arrest her client had contacted the National Office for Asset Recovery and Protection (NVVH), provided his contact details and indicated he would appear when summoned. She argued there is no reasonable suspicion to justify his arrest and appealed the detention order.

"We believe that not only the arrest, but also the series of measures taken in recent days are completely unfounded. After the decision was published, we immediately filed a complaint against the detention order," the defence lawyer wrote.

The judge’s order is not final; both the suspects and the prosecution may lodge appeals. Appeals will be decided by the Metropolitan Court in Budapest.

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