Szabó had allegedly told the Hungarian arm of the German parcel carrier DHL that it was the subject of an investigation over personnel transporting drugs and arms. He is alleged to have offered to use his influence to have the probe stopped, in exchange for DHL signing a contract with a security firm nominated by Szabó.

Szabó’s lawyer denied last Wednesday that his client was guilty of abuse of office. However, DHL issued what appeared to be a partial confirmation of the allegations. “DHL Supply Chain confirms the fact that it was approached in connection with allegations against its employees and offered certain services, and that a person unconnected to the company has been arrested by the police in connection with these allegations,” the firm told the state news agency MTI last Wednesday.