Sybiha: Seven Ukrainian citizens held in Budapest been released
Seven Ukrainians previously detained in Hungary have now been released and returned to Ukraine, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said.
"I have already briefed President Zelenskyy that we were able to secure the release of seven Ukrainian nationals who were held in Budapest. They are already safe and they have crossed the Ukrainian border. Our consuls have provided necessary assistance," Sybiha said on X on Friday.
He thanked the employees of the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry and the Ukrainian Embassy in Hungary, "as I thank our team at the MFA and Ukraine's embassy in Hungary, as well as our law enforcement, government agencies, state banks, and everyone who helped achieve their release."
As reported, on March 5, 2026, two vehicles of the Oschadbank collection service were detained in Hungary during the regular transportation of foreign currency and bank metals. The transportation of funds and valuables was carried out within the framework of an international agreement between Oschadbank and Raiffeisen Bank Austria. The cargo was registered in accordance with international transportation rules and current European customs procedures. According to Oschadbank, the transport contained $40 million, EUR 35 million and 9 kilograms of gold.
The National Tax and Customs Administration of Hungary subsequently reported criminal proceedings on suspicion of money laundering. According to the Hungarian agency, during this year, more than $900 million and EUR 420 million in cash, as well as 146 kilograms of gold bars, were transported through the territory of Hungary to Ukraine. The National Tax and Customs Administration said the investigation is being conducted with the involvement of the Counter-Terrorism Center.
