The Ukrainian state-owned bank, Oschadbank, has publicly stated that it has not received any communication from Hungarian authorities regarding the detention of its employees and cash transport vehicles in Hungary. The bank emphasizes that its representatives have not yet been granted access to the detained personnel.
According to a statement from the bank’s press service, Oschadbank sees no legal justification for the seizure of its cash transport vehicles and accompanying staff, which were conducting a routine operation. The bank noted that since the onset of the full-scale invasion, the transportation of foreign currency and banking metals has been conducted exclusively by land.
Oschadbank highlighted that such transport operations occur weekly and are conducted under a valid license for international transport. The bank further clarified that the assets involved in the incident belong to the state-owned institution.
“These funds were entrusted to the bank by citizens and businesses of Ukraine. They were being transported from Austria for further circulation and to enhance the cash market in Ukraine. The total amount of funds from Oschadbank, whose whereabouts are currently unknown, is reported to be $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kilograms of gold,” the statement read.
Oschadbank has reported the detention of its cash transport vehicles in Hungary, claiming a lack of communication from local authorities. The bank asserts that the seized assets, totaling $40 million, €35 million, and gold, were part of a routine operation to support Ukraine's cash market.