Hungarian FM Questions Mysterious Cash Convoy Tied to Ukraine
The dispute between the two countries intensified after Hungarian authorities seized two trucks near Budapest that belonged to Ukraine’s state-owned Oschadbank. Investigators confiscated around $40 million, €35 million in cash, and approximately 9 kilograms of gold as part of an inquiry into suspected money laundering. According to officials, the shipment had been traveling from Austria’s Raiffeisen Bank toward Ukraine.
Hungarian authorities said the convoy was accompanied by several individuals with military backgrounds, including a former general from Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU). All seven escorts were expelled from Hungary and returned to Ukraine, while the seized funds and vehicles remain under official custody. Ukrainian officials strongly criticized the move, labeling the seizure as “state banditism” and “blackmail.”
Speaking on Tuesday, Szijjarto reiterated concerns about the convoy, which he had earlier associated with what he described as a Ukrainian “war mafia.” He argued that Kiev has yet to provide clear explanations regarding the transfer or similar movements of funds in the past.
“I think the last time such a transfer happened was in the Stone Age, when two banks settled €1.1-1.2 billion in cash between each other,” Szijjarto said.
The Hungarian foreign minister also questioned why the convoy traveled through Hungary instead of Poland, which maintains relatively cooperative relations with Ukraine and is also a member of NATO.
“So what is this money doing here? And what are the Ukrainian secret service people and people with military connections doing among the escorts?” he said.
Szijjarto further described it as “very suspicious” that the Ukrainians detained in the case are being represented by a Hungarian legal firm reportedly connected to the opposition Tisza party.
He also raised the possibility that the funds could be related to alleged attempts by Ukraine to influence Hungary’s parliamentary elections scheduled for April 12.
“The Ukrainians have an interest in a certain election outcome, and 500 billion forints are again floating around in Hungary. How strong the connection between the two is – that is what needs to be found out now.”
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