Hungary Returns Armored Cars to Ukraine's Oschadbank, But $40 Million and Gold Remain Seized.

Oschadbank's Armored Vehicles Returned

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine's state-owned Oschadbank has recovered its armored cash-transport vehicles, which were seized in Hungary, though they were returned with damaged equipment. However, the substantial cash and valuables that were inside them—totaling $40 million USD, €35 million, and 9 kilograms of gold—remain confiscated by Hungarian authorities.

The vehicles were returned on March 12. Their seizure originally occurred on February 5 in Budapest, where seven Ukrainian citizens were detained on suspicion of transporting funds illegally. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó confirmed the detention was due to these suspicions. The Ukrainian personnel were released on March 6, but their financial assets continue to be held. This incident occurs against a backdrop of complex political relations between Ukraine and Hungary, a NATO ally that has maintained closer ties with Russia.

Bank Statements and Legal Repercussions

Oschadbank maintains the transport was entirely legal and is demanding the return of its assets.

“Cash and valuables amounting to $40 million USD, €35 million, and 9 kg of bank gold remain illegally detained in Hungary,”

The detention of the couriers and their assets underscores significant legal and diplomatic tensions. Despite the return of the vehicles, the damage to the equipment and the continued seizure of such large financial assets are likely to lead to further negotiations between the two nations. As a major player in Ukraine's financial system, Oschadbank intends to intensify efforts to recover its funds, a process that could impact future state relations and trust in international financial transport protocols.