The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry reported that seven cash-in-transit guards were detained by Hungary's Counterterrorism Centre under questionable circumstances involving military-grade equipment.
On March 5, 2026, seven cash-in-transit guards from Ukraine's Oschadbank were seized by Hungary's Counterterrorism Centre while transporting valuables on the Budapest ring road. The guards were escorting cash proceeds from Raiffeisen Bank International in Austria, a process allegedly conducted according to all necessary regulations and customs procedures. The operation was heavily armed, showcasing the use of an armoured personnel carrier, machine guns, and grenade launchers by Hungarian authorities.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that the Hungarian authorities were aware that the cash-in-transit guards were unarmed, making the scale of the operation questionable. By deploying counter-terrorism forces to handle what appears to be a standard cash transport, Hungary's actions raised alarms regarding the treatment of Ukrainians abroad and the implications for bilateral relations, especially considering the sensitivity of Ukraine-Hungary relations in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
This incident not only casts a shadow over diplomatic ties but also highlights the need for clearer protocols between nations regarding the treatment of foreign nationals involved in financial operations. It brings into question the thresholds for deploying counter-terrorism units in routine financial matters, further complicating Hungary's reputation on the international stage and within its regional partnerships, particularly as Ukraine continues to navigate tensions due to the war.
