The Hungarian government has published a video showing the forceful detention of Ukrainian cash-in-transit officers, calling the operation the “Ukrainian Gold Convoy.” The footage shows armed members of Hungary’s Counter-Terrorism Center blocking armored vehicles with Ukrainian license plates.
The video was posted on the Hungarian government’s Facebook page. It shows officers stopping two armored vehicles at a gas station and pointing assault rifles at the drivers and passengers.
The cash-in-transit staff are seen being taken out of the vehicles, forced face-down onto the asphalt, and handcuffed. Photos of seized cash and gold were also published on the government’s page.
Hungarian government spokesman Zoltán Kovács wrote on X that Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration identified the background of seven Ukrainian nationals detained in connection with large shipments of cash and gold transported through Hungary.
According to him, authorities concluded that the operation was allegedly supervised by a former general of the Security Service of Ukraine, with a former major of the Ukrainian Air Force acting as deputy and assisted by individuals with military experience. Based on these findings, all seven individuals will be expelled from Hungary.
Earlier, on March 5, two armored vehicles belonging to Oschadbank’s cash-in-transit service, accompanied by seven crew members, were detained in Hungary during a regular transport of foreign currency and banking metals between Raiffeisen Bank in Austria and Oschadbank of Ukraine.
The transfer of funds and valuables was carried out under an international agreement between the banks. According to available information, the cargo was documented in accordance with international transport rules and existing European customs procedures. The vehicles were carrying about $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kilograms of gold.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said the Hungarian side had not provided explanations for the detention of the Ukrainian citizens and noted that Ukrainian consuls have still not been allowed to see the seven Ukrainians being held in Budapest.