Hungary to Deport Seven Ukrainians Over Cash and Gold Smuggling Allegations

Ukrainian Citizens Detained in Hungary

According to Главком: Hungarian authorities have announced plans to deport seven Ukrainian citizens detained for transporting large quantities of cash and gold. The National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary (NAV) carried out the arrests. Government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs stated the individuals were detained as part of an operation that raised suspicions of money laundering.

The NAV identified the detainees. Authorities alleged the operation was led by a former general of Ukraine's Security Service (SBU), with a former major of the Ukrainian Air Force serving as his deputy. Zoltan Kovacs stated:

'Authorities established that the operation was led by a former general of Ukraine's Security Service, with a former major of the Ukrainian Air Force as his deputy, assisted by individuals with military experience. Based on these findings, all seven individuals will be expelled from Hungary.'

Ukraine's Response and Consequences

The detention occurred on March 6, 2026, when the NAV reported seizing armored cash transport vehicles and bank employees from Ukraine. The National Bank of Ukraine confirmed the detainees were employees of the state-owned Oschadbank, transporting cash from Austria to Ukraine. In response, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has advised its citizens to temporarily refrain from traveling to Hungary.

The Ukrainian side has expressed outrage, criticizing the actions of the Hungarian authorities in detaining its citizens. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Hungary, a NATO ally whose government has maintained closer ties with Russia than other EU members. The Hungarian government's decision to expel the detainees could lead to further diplomatic complications, especially given they are employees of a Ukrainian state bank. By urging its citizens to avoid travel to Hungary, the Ukrainian government is attempting to protect their interests and prevent similar incidents in the future.