In Hungary, there was a spectacular operation of the taxation services and anti-terrorism services. In the centre of Budapest stopped a convoy of 2 armored vehicles carrying immense amounts of cash and gold. According to the Hungarian authorities, transport was linked to the Ukrainian war mafia, and the case immediately sparked a serious diplomatic dispute between Budapest and Kiev.
Hungary stopped the Ukrainian convoy with millions of dollars and gold. 7 Ukrainian citizens were detained during the action, most of whom were erstwhile soldiers. The cars contained about $40 million, 35 million Euros and 9 kilograms of gold. Hungarian services launched an investigation into possible money laundering and illegal financial operations.
According to the authorities in Budapest, transport raised serious doubts due to the fact that specified immense amounts of money were physically transported by respective European countries. Hungarian abroad minister Péter Szijártó publically asked why, if it was a simple transfer between banks, it was not carried out by bank transfer. The politician besides stressed that questions arise about possible links between transport and the alleged Ukrainian war mafia.
Investigators besides established that the convoy was escorted by individuals with military and intelligence experience. According to Hungarian information, a erstwhile Ukrainian safety general and erstwhile Air Force officer were to be active in the operation. But it's just a part of a bigger story. The Hungarian authorities claim that, since the beginning of the year, around $900 million, EUR 420 million and 146 kilograms of gold have been transported through the country in akin transports. The scale of these operations has raised serious suspicions in Budapest about the origin of money and their real purpose.
The Ukrainian side powerfully rejects the accusations. Kiev claims that the detainees were employees of the state bank and carried out regular financial transport between banking institutions in Austria and Ukraine. The Ukrainian authorities identified Hungary's actions as unlawful detention of citizens and announced diplomatic intervention in the European Union. What is crucial, however, is that no 1 from Kiev is willing to explain the intent of the confiscated money.
The case rapidly turned into a serious political conflict. Budapest announced the expulsion of detainees of Ukrainians from the country and further investigation into suspicious money shipments. At the same time, Viktor Orbán's government demands Kiev to explain in item the origin of the measures carried. The Hungarian authorities stress that until Ukraine provides clear information on the origin and intent of the money and gold being transported, the case will be considered a possible case of serious financial crime.
OUR COMMENTS: Everything indicates that the Hungarians knew the intent of carrying this money and gold before their action. However, they want the Ukrainians to say so themselves to the world. 1 thing is certain – hundreds of Ukrainian millionaires have already grown up on the 4 years of war. Their fortunes didn't come out of nowhere.
We besides recommend: Jews endanger the aggression of another country
