Ukrainian officials are actively pursuing the return of funds reportedly confiscated by Hungary, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemning the actions of the Hungarian government as a form of state banditry. Spokesman Georgiy Tikhiy stated that the funds in question belong to Ukrainian taxpayers and were seized during an operation involving international agreements between Ukraine and Austria.
Tikhiy emphasized that the confiscated money is not state funds but rather the property of individuals and businesses. He noted, “There is no such concept as state money. It is the taxpayers’ money of Ukraine that the Hungarian side has stolen and continues to withhold in Budapest.”
“The actions of Hungary are purely criminal acts for which there must be accountability,” Tikhiy added, dismissing any connection to the electoral process.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that legal representatives are working to recover the misappropriated funds. Tikhiy further remarked on the Hungarian government’s willingness to manipulate issues related to Ukraine.
In a related incident, on March 6, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga reported that Hungarian authorities detained seven employees of Oschadbank, who were transporting cash from Austria. The bank confirmed that its staff and valuables were missing, with GPS data indicating that their vehicles were located in central Budapest, near a government security building.
Oschadbank clarified that the cash transport was conducted under an agreement with Austrian Raiffeisen Bank and complied with international transport regulations. The total value of the seized assets was approximately $40 million, €35 million, and nine kilograms of gold.
Sources indicated that the seized vehicles are currently held at a secure location belonging to Hungary’s Anti-Terrorism Centre. Subsequently, Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration confirmed the detention of the seven Ukrainians on charges of money laundering, stating that the Hungarian authorities promptly notified the Ukrainian consulate regarding the investigation.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized the detentions as arbitrary and advised citizens to refrain from traveling to Hungary due to safety concerns. Andriy Pyshnyy, the head of the National Bank of Ukraine, announced that a delegation would travel to Budapest to clarify the situation surrounding the detentions.
Pyshnyy asserted that the transport of currency by Ukrainian banks adheres to international norms and does not involve any violations. By the evening of March 6, the detained Oschadbank employees returned to Ukraine, while the confiscated assets remained in Hungary.
On March 10, the Hungarian government enacted a special regulation allowing the National Tax and Customs Administration to retain the confiscated funds until the investigation concludes. In response, Foreign Minister Sybiga criticized Hungary for descending into a spiral of lawlessness.
Pyshnyy also revealed that the detained bank employees faced harsh interrogation, with one requiring hospitalization. Following the incident, the National Bank of Ukraine advised commercial banks to avoid logistical operations through Hungary.
Martin Kocher, the head of Austria’s central bank, expressed surprise at Hungary’s allegations, noting that cash transport between Austria and Ukraine is standard practice. On March 11, Olof Gill, deputy chief spokesperson for the European Commission, confirmed that the Commission had received a letter from the National Bank of Ukraine regarding the unlawful detention of the Ukrainian cash transporters in Hungary.
Ukrainian officials are demanding the return of funds confiscated by Hungary, labeling the actions as unlawful. The situation escalated following the detention of Oschadbank employees transporting cash from Austria, prompting legal and diplomatic responses from Ukraine.