Former Hungarian central bank governor György Matolcsy detained in fraud probe

Former Hungarian central bank governor György Matolcsy was detained on Wednesday morning, October 21, 2026, according to Euronews, Reuters, Bloomberg, AOL, Global Banking & Finance Review, and Daily News Hungary. Euronews reported that Matolcsy was taken to the Central Chief Prosecution Office for Investigations. [1][2][3][4][5][6]

Euronews reported that the investigation follows scrutiny of foundations managed by the central bank that oversaw more than 1 billion euros in public funds. Matolcsy's lawyer, Pál Bátki, told Hungarian newspaper Telex that his client is suspected of financial fraud causing significant financial loss and using a forged private document. Matolcsy has denied any wrongdoing. [1]

Matolcsy is a longtime associate of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Matolcsy served as governor of the National Bank of Hungary for 12 years until March 2025. He also previously served as Minister of National Economy from 2000 to 2002 and again from 2010 to 2013 during Orbán's administrations. [1][8]

Euronews reported that Matolcsy's questioning had not yet begun on Wednesday morning but was expected to take place later in the day. [1]