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".
Source: Hungarian news outlet Index, as reported by European Pravda
Details: 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.
Background:
- The National Bank of Ukraine reported on the night of 5-6 March that the Hungarian authorities had seized seven Ukrainian cash-in-transit guards and a large amount of currency.
- It later emerged that the cash-in-transit vehicles seized by Hungarian law enforcement officers have been hidden at Hungary's Counterterrorism Centre. It is worth noting that this agency has previously taken part in anti-Ukrainian provocations organised by Orbán's regime. The whereabouts of the bank employees remain unknown.
- Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha described the Hungarian authorities' actions as "hostage-taking and state terrorism".
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