Ferenc-Gyurcsany-AP-670
Former Prime Minister and emblematic leader of the Hungarian left wing Ferenc Gyurcsany. — Photo by AP

BUDAPEST: Hungarian prosecutors have closed an investigation into former Prime Minister Ferenc Gyurcsany's involvement in a real estate deal, but charged five other people with corruption in the case.

The Central Investigative Prosecutor's office said Friday that the misuse of authority case against the former Socialist leader was closed due to lack of evidence.

Gyurcsany, who resigned in 2009, was suspected of advocating for an illegal land-swap deal, part of an unsuccessful attempt to build a casino complex in the lakeside town of Sukoro, southwest of Budapest.

Prosecutors said the deal would have cost state coffers nearly 1.3 billion forints ($5.6 million, (euro) 4.5 million) in lost revenue if completed.

The five people charged with corruption include the former head of the state asset management company and a former finance ministry official.

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