US Treasury Department said on Tuesday that it has imposed sanctions on Antal Rogan, a senior Hungarian government official, for suspected corruption activities. Rogan, a close ally of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, is accused of using his official position to gain financial benefits for himself and his political associates.
Rogan, who runs Orban’s cabinet office and oversees Hungary’s media operations and election campaigns, could not be immediately reached for comment. A spokesperson for the Hungarian government has not yet responded to the sanction announcement.
US Treasury condemned such actions by Rogan, said Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T Smith, adding, “The US continues to hold such individuals accountable, who use the position of their power for individual gain at the expense of one’s country and citizens”.
Rogan, who has a long history with Orban, is now the head of Hungary’s secret services. The sanctions are imposed amid rising tensions between Hungary and the United States, especially concerning Hungary’s continued close relations with Moscow despite the war in Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Orban was one of the most vocal European supporters of US President-elect Donald Trump. Relations between Hungary and the US were strained during the Biden administration. These sanctions imposed on Hungary mark another episode of continued discord between the US and Hungary as Trump readies for inauguration on January 20.
