The United States of America has imposed sanctions against one of the closest associates of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Sanctions have been applied to the chief of staff of the prime minister, Antal Rogan.
This was reported by the U.S. Department of State.
According to the State Department, sanctions against Rogán were imposed due to his involvement in corruption.
The U.S. 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 key role in creating a system in Hungary that benefited himself and his party at the expense of the Hungarian people. Rogan’s activities are emblematic of a broader atmosphere of impunity in Hungary, where key elements of the state have been captured by oligarchs and undemocratic actors," the State Department statement said.
The imposed sanctions are intended to prevent Rogán from using the U.S. financial system for his "corrupt activities." The imposed restrictions include a ban on entry into the U.S. for the sanctioned individual, as well as the freezing of their assets within American jurisdiction, if any exist.
It should also be noted that Antal Rogan has become the first Hungarian high-ranking official to come under American sanctions.