Hungarian law enforcement agencies close case regarding transportation of Oschadbank cash and gold

The Hungarian National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) has concluded criminal proceedings against Oschadbank employees for transporting cash and gold through Hungary, due to a lack of evidence proving a crime. The investigation focused on the movement of $40 million, €35 million, and 9 kg of gold from Austria to Ukraine via Hungary using two Oschadbank cash-in-transit vehicles.

Hungarian law enforcement officials confirmed the legal origin of the funds and gold. The case began on March 5, 2026, following a complaint from Hungary's Office for the Protection of the Constitution. During the investigation, authorities reviewed customs declarations, cargo documents, and vehicle routes, interrogated witnesses, and examined seized electronic devices.

Requests were also made to Austria and Poland. The evidence showed the assets were legitimate and acquired through routine interbank transactions with Raiffeisen Bank International AG. Oschadbank CEO Yuriy Katsion confirmed the funds and gold were obtained legally. The criminal case was terminated due to insufficient evidence. The NAV decision also stated no other criminal offenses were indicated.

In March, the Hungarian Counter-Terrorism Center detained two Oschadbank cash-in-transit vehicles and seven guards on the M5 highway, later releasing them and returning them to Ukraine. Hungary protested the seizure on March 9 and later handed over the vehicles to Oschadbank and Ukrainian diplomats in March 12, while funds and valuables remained in Hungary.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on May 6 that Hungary had returned all Oschadbank assets to Ukraine.