Hungary Is Expelling Seven Ukrainian Cash Couriers Detained With Cash and Gold

Hungarian authorities intend to expel Ukrainian cash-in-transit guards from said government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs. Earlier reports in the media had already suggested that they had been deported, but Budapest now says a formal decision has been taken.

According to Kovacs, Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration has identified seven Ukrainian citizens detained in connection with large transfers of cash and gold through the country. “Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration has identified seven Ukrainian citizens detained in connection with large shipments of cash and gold through Hungary. Authorities established that the operation was led by a former general of the Security Service of Ukraine, with a former major of the Ukrainian Air Force acting as his deputy, along with individuals with military experience. Based on these findings, all seven individuals will be expelled from Hungary,” Kovacs wrote.

Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, however, says the situation in practice remains unchanged. Kyiv notes that “as of now, apart from public statements, the Hungarian side has taken no real steps to grant consular access or to secure the release of Ukrainian citizens.”

In parallel, Ukrainian authorities have launched their own review of the circumstances surrounding the incident. A deputy governor of the National Bank of Ukraine has travelled to Budapest to clarify the details, while Ukrainian police have opened a criminal investigation.

The European Commission has also criticised remarks made by Volodymyr Zelensky directed at Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. “The European Commission states very clearly that this type of language is unacceptable. There should be no threats directed at EU member states. And I reiterate that we are engaged in active discussions with all parties on this issue,” said European Commission spokesman Olof Gill.

The trigger for Brussels’ response was a statement by Zelensky in which he threatened to pass Orban’s address to the Armed Forces of Ukraine so they could “speak with him in their own language”. The remark provoked a sharp reaction not only from the Hungarian authorities but also from Hungary’s opposition, which likewise condemned such rhetoric.