Hungary launches money laundering investigation after arrest of Ukrainian tax collectors
National The Hungarian tax and customs service reported the detention of collection vehicles and bank employees from Ukraine on suspicion of money laundering.
According to Index, criminal proceedings have been initiated against seven Ukrainian citizens. Among those detained, according to Hungarian services, was a former general of the Ukrainian special services, who was in charge of the cargo, consisting of forty million US dollars, thirty-five million euros and nine kilograms of gold.
The service noted that during this year, more than nine hundred million US dollars, four hundred twenty million euros and one hundred forty-six kilograms of gold were transported to Ukraine through the territory of Hungary. The investigation is being conducted in accordance with the Criminal Procedure Law with the participation of the Anti-Terrorism Center.
It is reported that the National Tax and Customs Service immediately informed the Ukrainian consular service about the beginning of the procedure, but did not receive a response.
On the night of Friday, March 6, the National Bank of Ukraine confirmed that the Hungarian authorities had seized Ukrainian collectors and a large amount of currency. It later became known that the collection vehicles were moved to the Anti-Terrorism Center of Hungary, while the whereabouts of the bank employees remained unknown.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiga, reported that Hungary has not yet provided Ukrainian consuls with access to the seven detained collectors.
