Hungary detains seven Ukrainians and seizes $82 million
Hungary seized $82 million in cash and gold from Ukrainian bank staff on Friday. Kyiv accused Budapest of hostage-taking amid a dispute over oil shipments.
Diplomatic relations between Hungary and Ukraine have reached a critical flashpoint following the detention of seven Ukrainian citizens and the seizure of approximately $82 million in cash and gold. The Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) intercepted two armored cash-in-transit vehicles on March 5, 2026, on suspicion of money laundering. The transport, which was traveling from Austria toward the Ukrainian border, reportedly contained $40 million, 35 million euros, and nine kilograms of bank-grade gold. The transport of such significant physical bullion highlights the ongoing strategic importance of precious metals, a sector where global producers like Barrick Gold Corporation play a central role in the international market.
