Orban's government legalizes seizure of Ukrainian bank's money and gold
Photo: Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary (Getty Images)
The Hungarian government has adopted a special decree under which the money and gold belonging to Ukraine's Oschadbank will be seized for at least 60 days, according to the relevant document.
What the special decree entails
The cabinet of Viktor Orbán adopted decree No. 49/2026 (III.9.), which directly concerns the detained Ukrainian assets. According to the document, Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration is granted the right to keep the seized funds during the investigation.
The assets include the following:
- 35 million euros in cash;
- 40 million dollars in cash;
- 9 gold bars weighing 1 kg each.
Details of the detention
The valuable cargo was discovered on March 5 during the inspection of two vehicles carrying seven Ukrainian citizens.
Hungarian authorities claim that at the inspection site, the carriers were unable to provide convincing proof of the money's origin, its final destination, or the legal grounds for transit.
The decree states that "the method of transportation did not correspond to standard international practice," prompting a criminal investigation.
National security risk and timeline
The official in Budapest went beyond standard customs procedures, stating that transporting such a large amount of assets could pose a risk to Hungary’s national security. The investigation is expected to determine possible links between the carriers and "criminal organizations."
According to the document, the assets will remain under the control of Hungarian authorities for 60 days from the moment the decree enters into force. The document has already been officially published and is now in effect.
Seizure of Oschadbank assets
Last week, Hungarian law enforcement intercepted two cash transit vehicles transporting Oschadbank money and gold from Austria to Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha noted that transporting currency and gold is a standard procedure.
Importantly, in addition to the money and gold, Hungary also detained the Ukrainian cash couriers. As a result, the conflict between Budapest and Kyiv has intensified.
Yesterday, March 9, the Hungarian parliament’s national security committee reviewed a bill proposing the seizure of Ukrainian assets until the investigation is completed. Committee members recommended adopting the bill.
