- In 2019, part of one of Hungary’s largest walnut plantations, including a 5,000-square-meter processing facility built by the owner for around one billion forints, was auctioned off.
- The land, situated in the Bakony Mountains, was acquired for just 252 million forints by a local resident who had registered in the farmers’ registry shortly before the auction, thereby becoming eligible to purchase it.
- In the wake of the events, two men have been charged by the prosecution for unlawful acquisition of farmland. The prosecution views the local farmer as a straw owner in the case.
- A credit line of 1.2 billion forints was secured for the transaction, part of which was reportedly provided by billionaire businessman Tibor Kuna, Fidesz’s former favourite PR-professional, who fell out of favour with the government a few years ago. However, Kuna denies involvement.
- Previously, Kuna sold all his Hungarian companies except one: Diósliget Ltd., which is engaged in walnut farming in a small village in Borsod County.
The trial of a rather peculiar case began in mid-October at the Győr District Court. The prosecution accuses two individuals of unlawfully acquiring a portion of one of Hungary’s largest walnut plantations – 24.hu has learned.
