politics
March 7, 2026
FACTBOX: Kiev accuses Budapest of kidnapping people, stealing money
Ukraine's Oschadbank said that the seven cash collectors detained in Hungary were transporting $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kg of gold
TL;DR
- Seven employees of Ukraine's state-owned Oschadbank were detained in Hungary.
- The employees were transporting $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kg of gold in two armored vehicles.
- The transportation was reportedly part of regular transfers between state banks, under an agreement with Austria's Raiffeisen Bank.
- Ukraine has accused Hungary of kidnapping its citizens and stealing money, demanding their immediate release.
- Kiev plans to appeal to the EU for a clear qualification of Budapest's actions.
- The National Bank of Ukraine has also demanded an official explanation from Hungary.
- Recent relations between Hungary and Ukraine have significantly deteriorated, with disputes over EU loans and Russian oil transit.
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