Hungary Opens Internal Probe
Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar has announced an internal investigation targeting the country's law enforcement and tax authorities. The move comes in response to the detention and illegal confiscation of millions of euros and gold from Ukrainian Oschadbank's armored vehicles, carried out by Viktor Orbán's regime in the spring of 2026. The probe will cover the National Tax and Customs Administration, the Counter-Terrorism Center, and other relevant agencies.
International Fallout
The international scandal erupted in March 2026 when Hungarian security forces intercepted two armored Oschadbank cash transport vehicles carrying seven Ukrainian citizens. The convoy was operating under an agreement between Oschadbank and Raiffeisen Bank International. On March 9, 2026, Orbán’s government issued a special decree authorizing the seizure of currency and valuables, sparking severe diplomatic tensions between Kyiv and Budapest.
According to reports, the Oschadbank couriers were transporting:
- 35 million euros
- 40 million US dollars
- 9 kg of gold
Following the March 5, 2026 interception near Budapest, Oschadbank reported the abduction of its employees, vehicles, and assets. The valuables were only returned in May 2026 after a change in Hungary's government. Pressure from Ukrainian ministries and the National Bank of Ukraine secured the release of all unlawfully held assets.
“We have ordered an immediate internal investigation at the National Tax and Customs Administration, the Counter-Terrorism Center, and other relevant bodies regarding the Ukrainian gold convoy case. The Prosecutor General must take up this matter without delay.”
Peter Magyar
This episode highlights the strained relations between Ukraine and Hungary, triggered by the actions of Hungarian intelligence services. The internal investigation may represent an attempt by the Hungarian government to rebuild international trust following serious allegations of human rights abuses and illegal asset confiscation. Transparency in the probe's findings will be critical, as it could shape future bilateral ties and regional stability.