Hungary under fire as Ukraine claims $40m seizure

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accused Hungary on Friday of taking “hostage” a group of Ukrainian bank employees reportedly transporting $40 million and nine kilograms of gold.

Hungary is one of the few European countries to maintain close ties with Russia since its invasion of Ukraine and has consistently opposed military aid for Kyiv.

“Today in Budapest, Hungarian authorities took seven Ukrainian citizens hostage,” Sybiha posted on X.

“These seven Ukrainians are employees of state-owned Oschadbank, who were operating two bank cars transiting between Austria and Ukraine and carrying cash as part of regular services between state banks,” he added.

Oschadbank confirmed its staff were transporting $40 million and nine kilograms of gold when they were detained.

“We are talking about Hungary taking hostages and stealing money,” Sybiha wrote on X.

“This is state terrorism and racketeering.”

Oschadbank said the whereabouts of its employees were unknown, though GPS data indicated their vehicles were in central Budapest “near one of the law enforcement agencies of Hungary". ”.

There was no immediate response to AFP enquiries from the Hungarian government.