Hungary closes case against Ukrainian Oschadbank cash collectors

The Central Investigation Department of Hungary's National Tax Administration has closed a case against Ukrainian cash collectors that was initiated in March by Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government. According to the collectors' lawyer, Lóránt Horváth, there was insufficient evidence to prove a crime, and thus the investigation into the "Golden Convoy" case was terminated.

Horváth shared the news on his Facebook page, emphasizing that no money laundering had occurred. In March 2026, Hungarian intelligence services stopped two armored cash-in-transit vehicles on Hungarian soil, transporting seven Ukrainian citizens. These vehicles were following an international agreement between Oschadbank and Raiffeisen Bank International.

On March 9, 2026, Orbán's government decided to seize the currency and valuables from the cash-in-transit vehicles, claiming it was related to an alleged attack by Hungarian intelligence on a Ukrainian cash-in-transit convoy. This move led to diplomatic tensions, with Ukrainian regulators and ministries demanding the return of the property.

Thanks to diplomatic efforts and a change in leadership, all illegally held funds and precious metals were eventually recovered. In May 2026, the cash, valued at EUR 35 million, $40 million, and 9 kg of gold, was unblocked and returned to Ukraine.