The state bank “Oschadbank” announced the return of its armored vehicles, which were seized in Hungary at the beginning of March. The return took place on March 12 – the vehicles were handed over to bank representatives and Ukrainian diplomats. Along with the vehicles, the Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) also returned some personal belongings of seven members of the cash-in-transit crew.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Damage to Equipment and Assessment of Losses
After the return, a number of damages to the cash-in-transit equipment were discovered. Legal representatives of “Oschadbank” conducted a detailed inspection on-site and documented all the malfunctions that occurred during the seizure. According to the bank, an independent expert assessment of the damages will be carried out in Ukraine after the vehicles are returned home.
Seized Valuables and Reactions from Both Sides
Despite the return of the vehicles, a significant amount of cash and bank gold remains in Hungary. This includes 40 million dollars, 35 million euros, and nine kilograms of bank gold, which have yet to be returned to their owners. The bank stated that it will continue its legal battle for the return of the valuables and the protection of its employees’ interests, emphasizing the legality of its actions and adherence to international law.
“Oschadbank” will consistently defend its rights within the framework of the previously announced strategy: protecting the interests of its employees and recovering the valuables belonging to the state bank. A certain list of legal steps has already been taken. “Oschad” insists on the legality of the transportation in accordance with all norms of international law and the legality of its rights to the seized funds and valuables.”
The Hungarian Minister of Transport, János Lázár, stated that the Hungarian side currently has no intention of returning the seized funds to Ukraine, explaining this by the expectation of the opening of the “Druzhba” oil pipeline and new money transfers through Hungary. The Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Péter Szijjártó, reported the beginning of a detailed investigation into the transportation of a large sum of cash through the country. In response, the Ukrainian side accused Hungary of the illegal detention of citizens and property, and called on Ukrainian citizens to refrain from traveling to Hungary or transiting through it.
It is worth noting that the cash-in-transit crew was released on March 6 after being detained, and the Ukrainian police opened criminal proceedings regarding the abduction of citizens and the bank’s service vehicles on Hungarian territory.