Fidesz proposes 60-day hold on seized Ukrainian funds

Hungary’s ruling Fidesz party has proposed that the state temporarily hold about $82 million in cash and gold confiscated last week from two Ukrainian armoured bank vehicles. Under the proposal, the assets would remain in Hungary for 60 days while the tax authorities investigate their origin and possible security risks.

The incident has further strained already tense relations between Budapest and Kyiv. Hungarian authorities detained seven Ukrainian citizens on suspicion of money laundering but later deported them. However, the money and gold remain in Hungary.

Ukraine says the transfer was legitimate and has accused Budapest of theft and political pressure in an attempt to force Kyiv to resume suspended oil supplies.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha is demanding the immediate return of the assets and has described Hungary’s actions as ‘state banditry’. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said the fate of the money will be decided only after its origin has been clarified.

(reuters, mja)