Budapest has detained seven Ukrainian bank employees and seized approximately $82 million in cash and gold, citing suspicions of money laundering. The action, carried out by Hungary's counter-terrorism forces, involved intercepting two Ukrainian armoured vehicles. This move has intensified a simmering dispute between Hungary and Ukraine, following Budapest's earlier blockage of significant European Union aid to Kyiv. Ukraine has vehemently protested the detentions, with one minister accusing Hungary of taking the bank employees 'hostage'.
Ukraine's ambassador to Hungary, Sandor Fegyir, reportedly sought to meet with the detained individuals at the Budapest headquarters of the Counter-Terrorism Centre.
Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs stated that the seven detainees are slated for expulsion from Hungary. The Ukrainian bank involved, Oschadbank, described the operation as routine.
This financial intervention marks a sharp escalation of already strained relations. The conflict is reportedly linked to disputes over oil shipments, with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán having previously vowed to halt transit shipments to Ukraine. The seizure of funds and detention of personnel are seen as a direct challenge amid ongoing geopolitical complexities.
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