Hungary Deports Seven Ukrainians in Cash and Gold Smuggling Case, Police Investigate Abduction

Ukrainian Citizens Deported from Hungary

According to ХВИЛЯ: Hungarian customs officials have deported seven Ukrainian nationals who were detained while transporting a large shipment of cash and gold. The individuals were stopped by Hungarian law enforcement in two armored vehicles traveling from Austria to Ukraine. Authorities discovered $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kilograms of gold in the vehicles. According to the Hungarian investigation, the operation was allegedly led by a former general of Ukraine's defense service, with a former Ukrainian Air Force major serving as his deputy.

All seven individuals were expelled from Hungary on Friday. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó noted that since January, $900 million, €420 million, and 146 kilograms of gold have been transported through the country's territory. Ukraine's National Police have launched an investigation into the alleged abduction of its citizens and the seizure of a vehicle belonging to Oschadbank on Hungarian soil. Investigators have registered the case under Articles 146 and 147 of Ukraine's Criminal Code, which pertain to unlawful imprisonment and hostage-taking.

Further Actions and Diplomatic Fallout

Ukraine's Department of International Police Cooperation has reached out to Europol, Hungarian tax authorities, and police to collaborate on the investigation. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has warned its citizens about the dangers of traveling to Hungary and recommended choosing alternative transit routes. Péter Szijjártó expressed concern, stating:

"We demand immediate answers from Kyiv regarding the large cash shipments passing through Hungary, which raise serious questions about a potential connection to the Ukrainian military mafia."

These events unfold against a backdrop of ongoing diplomatic tensions between Ukraine and Hungary. This strained relationship has been marked by disputes over EU funding and energy policy. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously criticized Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's position on blocking a €90 billion EU loan and refused to restore the Druzhba oil pipeline. The situation remains tense, and further investigations may reveal new details.

This incident highlights the growing complexities in Ukraine-Hungary relations, stemming from both criminal investigations and deep political disagreements. The probe into these funding channels and potential links to illicit structures could have serious consequences for both nations, given the existing diplomatic friction. The investigation may also impact the security of Ukrainian citizens abroad and the broader regional stability.