Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to allegations reported by The Guardian regarding the mistreatment of Ukrainian cash couriers detained in Hungary. Spokesperson Georgiy Tikhiy stated that the actions of Hungarian authorities, including a reported forced injection administered to one of the detainees, warrant a thorough legal investigation.
Tikhiy emphasized that the Ministry has previously condemned the treatment of the Ukrainian nationals during their abduction in Hungary, characterizing the methods used as potentially tantamount to torture. He highlighted the lack of medical assistance provided to one detainee, whose condition reportedly worsened following the injection.
“It is crucial that the information published in the media is carefully examined within the legal framework during ongoing investigations and related judicial processes,” Tikhiy remarked. He reiterated Ukraine’s official stance, demanding accountability for those responsible for the abduction and inhumane treatment of the cash couriers, as well as the return of stolen funds and valuables belonging to the state-owned Oschadbank.
According to The Guardian, the detained individuals spent over 24 hours in custody, much of which was under blindfolds and handcuffs, before being deported back to Ukraine. Reports from Kyiv’s security services indicate that one of the men was subjected to a forced injection during this period.
In the preceding events, seven Ukrainian cash couriers, apprehended along with valuables in Hungary, returned to Ukraine on the evening of March 6. However, the seized cash and gold remain in Hungary. Ukrainian officials have stated that members of Hungary’s Anti-Terrorism Centre apprehended the unarmed cash couriers using armored vehicles, machine guns, and grenade launchers.
Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga has asserted that Ukraine intends to ensure accountability for all involved in the unlawful seizure of funds and the mistreatment of the detained cash couriers.
This incident has further strained relations between Ukraine and Hungary, prompting discussions regarding the treatment of Ukrainian citizens abroad.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry has called for legal accountability following allegations of mistreatment of Ukrainian cash couriers detained in Hungary. The ministry emphasizes the need for thorough investigations into the reported abuses.