The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) alerted Hungarian authorities on November 8 after a user linked to Hungary engaged in an extremely violent conversation with an artificial intelligence–based chatbot. Following that tip, the Nemzeti Nyomozó Iroda (NNI) identified and detained a foreign student living in Budapest who had allegedly shared plans to commit murder.
According to details that emerged, the woman planned to climb through an open window into the home of a person she knew, mutilate and kill that victim with a knife, and then attack their family members. Working together with FBI agents stationed in Hungary, Hungarian investigators quickly identified the 22-year-old student who has been studying in Budapest for several years.
Arrest and seizure of devices
Police raided the student’s rental apartment on November 12, 2026, and seized her mobile phone and computer during the search. The NNI took the woman into criminal custody on suspicion of preparations for murder and requested her remand.
During questioning the suspect said she had been intoxicated at the time of the exchanges with the chatbot, that she did not remember the details of the conversation, and that she never intended to harm anyone.
Prosecutor releases suspect pending proceedings
Although the NNI placed the woman in custody and sought detention, the prosecution decided she may defend herself on bail and did not order remand. The NNI investigation remains ongoing.
Why this matters
The case highlights cross-border cooperation — in this instance between the FBI and Hungarian investigative authorities — and the challenges posed by violent threats conveyed via interactions with artificial intelligence systems. Seized devices will form part of the evidence as the investigation continues.
