Hungary investigating "money laundering" after abduction of Ukrainian cash-in-transit guards

Hungary's National Tax and Customs Administration has reported the seizure of cash-in-transit vehicles and bank employees from Ukraine, stating that the detention was carried out "on suspicion of money laundering".

As reported by Index, Hungary's National Tax and Customs Administration has opened criminal proceedings on suspicion of money laundering against seven Ukrainian citizens.

It is alleged that those detained included a former general of a Ukrainian security service who was managing a cargo consisting of US$40 million, €35 million and 9 kilograms of gold.

The service added that more than US$900 million, €420 million and 146 kilograms of gold have been transported through Hungary to Ukraine during this year. Hungary is conducting an investigation in accordance with the criminal procedure law with the involvement of the Counterterrorism Centre.

It is alleged that the National Tax and Customs Administration immediately notified Ukraine's consular service about the start of the procedure but received no response.

As reported, the National Bank of Ukraine said on the night of 5-6 March that Hungary's authorities had seized Ukrainian cash-in-transit guards and a large amount of currency.

It later became known that the cash-in-transit vehicles abducted by Hungarian law enforcement officers were hidden at Hungary's Counterterrorism Centre. It is worth noting that this body had previously taken part in anti-Ukrainian provocations by Orbán's regime. At the same time, the whereabouts of the bank employees remain unknown.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha reported that Hungary has still not granted Ukrainian consuls access to the seven Ukrainian cash-in-transit guards.