Hungary released seven Ukrainians including a former intelligence general after seizing cash and gold transport, escalating diplomatic tensions.
Ukrainian Statement
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrij Sybiha reported on March 6 that Hungarian authorities had freed seven Ukrainian citizens. He confirmed they were safe and had crossed the Ukrainian border, with consular assistance provided. Sybiha thanked his ministry team, the embassy in Hungary, and all involved authorities.
Hungary’s Accusations
Hungarian services detained seven Ukrainians, including a former Ukrainian intelligence general, on March 7. They also seized two armored vehicles transporting 40 million USD, 35 million EUR, and 9 kg of gold bound from Austria to Ukraine. Ukraine’s Oschadbank deemed the action illegal, citing a regular transfer between Raiffeisen Bank Austria and Oschadbank.
Money Laundering Probe
Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration (NTCA) and Anti-Terrorist Center launched an investigation into suspected money laundering, with Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto referencing ties to “Ukraine’s war mafia.” Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s claims that Ukraine finances the opposition Tisza party fueled speculation about the convoy’s context.
Ukraine: Shakedown Attempt
Sybiha called Hungary’s accusations “absurd,” stating the detentions were part of a “shakedown and electoral campaign.” He vowed Ukraine would not tolerate “banditry” and reserved the right to impose sanctions, demanding Hungary stop involving Ukraine in its internal politics.
Broader Ukraine-Hungary Conflict
The incident occurred amid tensions over Hungary’s demand to resume oil transit via the Druzhba pipeline, which Ukraine claims is under repair after a Russian attack. Hungary accuses Ukraine of deliberate delays and halted diesel deliveries to Ukraine, threatening to block a 90 billion euro EU loan package for Ukraine unless transit resumes.