Hungary releases seized Ukrainians, keeps moneyAP, BUDAPESTHungarian authorities temporarily detained seven Ukrainian citizens and seized two armored cars carrying tens of millions of euros in cash across Hungary on suspicion of money laundering, officials said on Friday. The Ukrainians were released on Friday, following their detention on Thursday, but Hungarian officials held onto the cash, prompting Ukraine to accuse Hungary’s Russia-friendly government of illegally seizing the money. The Hungarian government said it would expel the seven detained Ukrainians, but did not give details on why they would be released if they were suspected of money laundering. The incident further inflamed rising tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, which are embroiled in a bitter feud over Hungary’s access to Russian oil through a pipeline that crosses Ukrainian territory. He on Thursday told an economic forum that Hungary would use “force,” including “political and financial tools,” to compel Ukraine to resume oil shipments.

Source: Taipei Times March 07, 2026 17:26 UTC