Hungary orders authorities to hold some $82 million in seized Ukrainian cash and gold
ABC News
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has ordered that a shipment of Ukrainian cash and gold seized last week by Hungarian authorities be held in custody for up to 60 days while his country’s tax authority investigates the case
BUDAPEST, Hungary -- Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has ordered that a shipment of Ukrainian cash and gold seized last week by Hungarian authorities be held in custody for up to 60 days while his country's tax authority investigates the case.
The gold and the money was being transported through Hungary by road when Hungary seized it last Thursday. Authorities said they suspected money laundering. The shipment included $40 million and 35 million euros in cash, as well as 9 kilograms (19.8 pounds) of gold — worth, based on the current exchange rates, about $82 million.
The seizure has outraged Ukrainian authorities who accused Hungary’s Russia-friendly government of acting illegally.
Video of the seizure released by Hungary's Counter Terrorism Center showed masked commandos arresting seven employees of the Ukrainian state-owned Oschadbank, who were traveling in the two armored cars that were en route from Austria, heading to Ukraine.
Kyiv said it was a routine transfer of assets between state banks.
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