On March 5, two cash transport vehicles from Ukraine were intercepted by Hungary’s Anti-Terrorism Centre (TEK) at a gas station near Budapest. The operation raised significant concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the detention.
According to reports from Telex, the incident occurred when the vehicles, which were transporting large sums of cash, stopped for refueling on the M5 highway. Eyewitnesses observed TEK agents extracting individuals dressed in black from the vehicles and placing them on the ground.
Following the operation, TEK’s convoy proceeded towards Budapest. Media outlets that sought clarification from the police and TEK regarding the raid received no response.
On March 6, Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration confirmed the seizure of the cash transport vehicles and the detention of bank employees from Ukraine. The agency stated that the operation was conducted in collaboration with TEK, based on suspicions of money laundering.
Among those detained was reportedly a former general of a Ukrainian security service, overseeing a cargo that included $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kilograms of gold. The National Bank of Ukraine was the first to report the seizure of the Ukrainian cash transporters and the substantial amount of currency involved.
Subsequently, it was revealed that the confiscated vehicles were secured at TEK’s facilities. This agency has previously been implicated in anti-Ukrainian provocations under the Orban administration. The current whereabouts of the detained bank employees remain unclear.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha condemned the actions as “terrorism and hostage-taking,” advising Ukrainian citizens to avoid travel to Hungary.
The Hungarian Anti-Terrorism Centre has detained two Ukrainian cash transport vehicles, citing suspicions of money laundering. The operation has raised diplomatic tensions, with Ukraine's Foreign Minister condemning the actions as terrorism.
Source: Європейська правда