Authored by Thomas Brooke via REMIX,
Seven Ukrainian citizens have been detained by Hungarian authorities for transporting tens of millions of dollars, euros, and gold in armored vehicles, sparking a diplomatic dispute between Budapest and Kyiv.
The Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) confirmed that criminal proceedings have been initiated for suspected money laundering after intercepting two armored vehicles carrying cash and gold on March 5. The vehicles were traveling from Austria to Ukraine through Hungary.
According to Hungarian authorities, the vehicles were transporting around $40 million, €35 million in cash, and 9 kilograms of gold.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó expressed concerns about the large amounts of physical cash being moved through the country.
“Since January, a total of $900 million and €420 million in cash has passed through Hungary, along with 146 kilograms of gold bars,” he stated, as reported by Magyar Hírlap.
“We have significant questions about this. Firstly, the sheer volume of cash raises suspicions, and we question why Ukrainians need to transport such large sums. If this is indeed a bank transaction, then why not conduct it through bank transfers instead of physically transporting the cash through Hungary?” Szijjártó added.
“These concerns are heightened because individuals associated with Ukrainian intelligence services are accompanying these cash shipments.”
🇭🇺Hungary confirms detaining seven people in an alleged money-laundering probe.
Authorities say the case involves $40m, €35m and 9 kg of gold.
🤡 Kiev calls it “hostage-taking.” Western media repeat it. Funny how anti-Orbán headlines appear just weeks before Hungary’s… pic.twitter.com/AkTHHsMbrA— The Center (@alapjogokert) March 6, 2026
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s political director, Balázs Orbán, also raised questions about the source of the funds.
“Hundreds of millions in cash and gold moving through Hungary to Ukraine, escorted by individuals linked to Ukrainian intelligence. Armored vehicles, cash-filled suitcases, astonishing amounts,” he remarked on X.
‼️💵 💰 Hundreds of millions in cash and gold moving through 🇭🇺 Hungary toward Ukraine — escorted by people linked to Ukrainian intelligence. Armored vehicles, suitcases full of money, staggering sums.
⁉️ Whose money is this? What was it meant to finance? Who benefits from it?… pic.twitter.com/I9Mu1X2g46
— Balázs Orbán (@BalazsOrban_HU) March 6, 2026
“Whose money is this? What is its intended purpose? Who stands to gain from it? And why is such a substantial amount of cash being transported through our country instead of using regular banking channels?”
He assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, emphasizing that the Hungarian public deserved transparency regarding the origins and intentions of the funds.
Ukraine, on the other hand, vehemently denied the allegations and accused Hungary of unlawfully detaining its citizens and seizing bank assets.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that the seven individuals were employees of the state-owned Oschadbank conducting a routine cash transfer between financial institutions.
“Today in Budapest, Hungarian authorities have taken seven Ukrainian citizens hostage. The reasons are unclear, as is their current status and ability to communicate,” Sybiha posted on social media, as reported by Ukrinform.
If they were going Vienna-Kyiv they were taking the scenic route. Typically you’d drive through Poland. 🇭🇺🇺🇦🤔 https://t.co/ylPBfg5e0G pic.twitter.com/CqMj7LWeob
— Philip Pilkington (@philippilk) March 6, 2026
According to Kyiv, the vehicles were transporting currency and precious metals between Raiffeisen Bank Austria and Oschadbank Ukraine as part of standard banking procedures.
Sybiha accused Hungary of acting unlawfully. “If this is the ‘force’ announced earlier today by Mr. Orban, then this is the force of a criminal gang. This is state terrorism and racketeering,” he declared.
Oschadbank confirmed that two of its armored vehicles and a seven-member transport team had been detained in Hungary while conducting a routine transfer of funds and banking metals.
“The assets in the seized vehicles were valued at $40 million, EUR 35 million, and 9 kg of gold,” the bank stated, noting that the transport had been documented in compliance with international banking and customs regulations.
Based on GPS tracking data provided by the bank, the vehicles were last traced in central Budapest near a Hungarian law enforcement agency. Ukrainian officials mentioned that they were unaware of the bank employees’ current location.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a caution advising Ukrainian citizens to avoid traveling through Hungary following the “kidnapping” of bank employees and confiscation of state bank assets.
The incident represents a further escalation in the strained relations between the two countries.
Zelensky issues dire threat to Hungarian PM Orbán if he continues to block €90 billion in loans to Ukraine.
“We hope this one person [Orban] in the EU will not block €90 billion aid. Otherwise, we will give this person’s address to our armed forces.”pic.twitter.com/ayoSJlDCEs
— Remix News & Views (@RMXnews) March 5, 2026
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s remark suggesting that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s address could be provided to Ukrainian armed forces for direct communication caused controversy among European nationalist leaders.
Hungarian officials interpreted the statement as a threat towards Orbán amidst ongoing disagreements over Hungary’s opposition to a proposed €90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine.
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