Hungary investigates seizure of Ukrainian cash and gold
Hungarian Authorities Probe Seizure Incident Involving Ukrainian Bank Transport
Background of the Seizure
BUDAPEST, June 17 (Reuters) - Hungary has launched an internal investigation of its tax authority, counter-terrorism forces and other agencies over the seizure of a routine Ukrainian bank cash transport under the previous government.
Details of the Detainment
Seven Ukrainians transporting $82 million in cash and gold in two armoured vehicles were briefly detained in March on suspicion of money laundering, at a time when the government of Viktor Orban, an ally of Russia who has since lost power, was at loggerheads with Kyiv.
Ukrainian Bank's Statement
Ukraine's Oschadbank said its employees had been engaged in a routine operation of the kind that it had carried out weekly since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Government and Legal Response
Prime Minister's Call for Action
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, Prime Minister Peter Magyar, who won April's election, said the prosecutor general "must address the matter without delay".
Prosecutor General's Investigation
The prosecutor general's office later said in a statement that it was taking all necessary measures and seeking to fully uncover the circumstances of the case, adding that "substantive" results could be expected in the near future.
Political Context and Aftermath
Orban's Stance on Ukraine and Russia
Orban had made scepticism towards support for Ukraine in its war with Russia a central plank of his campaign, and vetoed new European Union sanctions on Moscow as well as a loan for Kyiv.
Return of Seized Assets
Hungary returned the cash and gold to Ukraine days before Magyar's inauguration.
(Reporting by Anita Komuves; Editing by Kevin Liffey and Timothy Heritage)
