Two armored vehicles of the Oschadbank cash collection service, accompanied by seven members of the collection crew, were unjustifiably detained in Hungary on 5 March while conducting a regular transfer of foreign currency and bank metals between Raiffeisen Bank Austria and Oschadbank Ukraine, the bank said in a statement.
According to GPS signal data, the unlawfully detained Oschadbank vehicles are currently located in the center of Budapest, near one of Hungary’s security structures. The location of the vehicles has been confirmed by representatives of the Ukrainian Embassy in Hungary and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.The whereabouts of the Oschadbank employees are currently unknown.
The transfer of funds and valuables was carried out by Oschadbank within the framework and in fulfillment of an international agreement with Raiffeisen Bank Austria. The cargo was documented in accordance with international transportation rules and applicable European customs procedures. The total value of the assets inside the seized vehicles amounted to $40 million USD, €35 million EUR, and 9 kg of gold.
Oschadbank demands the immediate release of its employees and property and their return to Ukraine. The bank’s management is in contact with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and law enforcement agencies to coordinate further actions.
