The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced sanctions against Antal Rogan, a senior Hungarian government official, citing his involvement in corruption. The action is taken under Executive Order 13818, which supports the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act targeting human rights abuses and corruption globally.

"Corruption undermines a country’s governing institutions and limits its economic development," stated Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. "The United States will not hesitate to hold accountable individuals, like Rogan, who use the power of their office to illicitly enrich themselves."

Hungary has faced increasing public sector corruption over the past decade, receiving low scores on Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index among EU members. This situation led to suspended EU funding due to concerns about rule of law breaches in Hungary.

Antal Rogan holds a significant position within Prime Minister Orban’s government as Minister in Charge of Orban’s Cabinet Office. He oversees various entities such as the National Communications Office and the Digital Government Agency. Throughout his career, Rogan has been accused of orchestrating schemes that benefit himself and loyalists from his political party.

OFAC's designation against Rogan highlights his role in distributing public contracts to cronies and engaging in activities like misappropriation of state assets and bribery.

As a result of these sanctions, all property and interests belonging to Rogan within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked. Additionally, any entities owned by him or other blocked persons are also affected by these restrictions.

Financial institutions engaging with Rogan may face sanctions or enforcement actions if they partake in prohibited transactions involving him.

Executive Order 13818 was established on December 20, 2017, addressing global human rights abuses and corruption threatening international stability. The U.S. aims to impose consequences on those involved in such activities while protecting its financial system from abuse.

OFAC emphasizes that its sanctions aim for positive behavioral change rather than punishment. Information regarding removal from OFAC lists can be found through their provided resources.

For more details on today's designation, further information is available online.