US imposes sanctions on Orban's entourage for the first time

The United States has imposed sanctions on one of the closest associates of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The sanctions were imposed against the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff Antal Rogan.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to the US Department of State.

According to the State Department, sanctions were imposed against Rogan because of his involvement in corruption.

The US believes that Rogan, while holding various positions in the Hungarian government, organized schemes to establish control over strategic sectors of the Hungarian economy.

“Rogan played a central role in creating a system in Hungary that benefited himself and his party at the expense of the Hungarian people. Rogán's activities are emblematic of a broader climate of impunity in Hungary, where key elements of the state have been captured by oligarchs and undemocratic actors,” the State Department said in a statement.

The sanctions should prevent Rogan from using the US financial system for his “corrupt activities.” The restrictions imposed include a ban on entry to the United States for the sanctioned person, as well as freezing of his assets in the US jurisdiction, if any.

It is also worth noting that Antal Rogan became the first Hungarian high-ranking official to be subjected to US sanctions.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 08/01/2025