Hungary returns a seized cash and gold shipment worth $82 million to Ukraine
Yahoo • • world
Key Points:
- Hungary has returned a shipment of Ukrainian cash and gold worth around $82 million to Ukraine's state Oschadbank, following its seizure in March by Hungarian counter-terrorism authorities.
- The seizure, which included $40 million, 35 million euros, and 9 kilograms of gold, sparked outrage in Ukraine, where officials accused Hungary's pro-Russian government of acting illegally and using the incident for political leverage.
- The return of the valuables was hailed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as an important step in improving relations with Hungary after the recent electoral defeat of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
- Hungarian authorities initially suspected money laundering and detained the Ukrainian bank employees traveling with the shipment for over 24 hours before expelling them, while Orbán ordered an investigation into the shipment's origin and purpose.
- The incident occurred amid broader tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, including disputes over Russian oil pipeline access and allegations that Orbán's government used the seizure to pressure Kyiv politically.
