Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha stated that Hungary actually took 7 employees of Oschadbank hostage and stole money.
"Hungarian authorities effectively took seven Ukrainian citizens hostage in Budapest today. The reasons remain unknown, as does their condition or ability to communicate. The seven Ukrainians are employees of state-owned Oschadbank. They were operating two bank vehicles transiting between Austria and Ukraine carrying cash as part of regular service between state banks," Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha wrote on Facebook.
Sybiha emphasized that Hungary has effectively taken hostages and stolen money. "If this is the same ‘strength’ that Mr. Orban spoke of earlier today, then it is the strength of a criminal group. This is state terrorism and racketeering," he said.
"We have already sent an official note demanding the immediate release of our citizens. We will also appeal to the European Union to provide a clear legal assessment of Hungary’s illegal actions — the taking of hostages and robbery," Sybiha said.
Oschadbank’s press service said two Oschadbank cash collection vehicles were detained without grounds in Hungary while conducting regular transportation of foreign currency and bank metals between Raiffeisen Bank Austria and Oschadbank Ukraine.
"The transportation of funds and valuables was carried out by Oschadbank within the framework and in fulfillment of an international agreement with Raiffeisen Bank, Austria. The cargo was processed according to international transportation rules and current European customs procedures. The value of assets in the seized vehicles was $40 million, EUR 35 million and 9 kilograms of gold," the bank’s press service said.
The detained vehicles are currently located in central Budapest near one of Hungary’s security agencies, according to the statement. The location of the vehicles was confirmed by representatives of Ukraine’s embassy in Hungary to the Foreign Ministry of Ukraine.
However, the whereabouts of the Oschadbank employees remain unknown.
"Oschadbank demands the immediate release of its employees and property and their return to Ukraine," the press service said.
Bank management is in contact with Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry and law enforcement agencies to coordinate further actions, the statement said.
