The Hungarian government has initiated an internal investigation into the agencies involved in the arrest of Ukrainian cash transporters and their vehicles, as announced by Prime Minister Péter Márki-Zay on June 17.
Márki-Zay stated that an immediate inquiry has been ordered within the National Tax and Customs Administration, the Anti-Terrorism Center, and other relevant bodies concerning the case of the Ukrainian “golden convoy.” He emphasized that the Attorney General of Hungary should address this matter promptly.
In May, Budapest returned funds and valuables that had been seized along with the cash transporters on Hungarian territory. Subsequently, the country also rescinded its decision to deport Ukrainian citizens.
Earlier, on March 6, the Ukrainian Foreign Minister claimed that Hungarian authorities had “taken hostage” seven employees of the state-owned Oschadbank. These individuals were transporting cash in two armored vehicles between Austria and Ukraine. They were released the same day but were officially deported.
According to the bank, the vehicles contained $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kilograms of gold.
The National Police of Ukraine has launched criminal proceedings regarding the abduction of Ukrainian citizens and the official vehicle of Oschadbank on Hungarian soil.
At the time, Hungary’s then-Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the government had concerns about the transportation of cash across its territory and would conduct a thorough investigation.
Hungary is conducting an internal investigation into the agencies involved in the arrest of Ukrainian cash transporters, following the return of seized funds to Ukraine. This incident has raised questions about the legality of cash transport across Hungarian territory.