Key facts
- The ECHR has opened proceedings in six cases against Hungary.
- Seven Oschadbank employees were detained on suspicion of money laundering.
- The detained employees were carrying $40 million, 35 million euros, and 9 kilograms of gold.
- The cash and gold were returned to Ukraine in May.
- The bank staff applications cite Articles 3 and 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has opened proceedings in six cases against Hungary concerning the alleged torture and unlawful detention of employees from the state-owned Ukrainian bank Oschadbank. The incident occurred in spring during Hungary's election campaign. Seven Oschadbank employees were detained by Hungarian authorities while traveling from Austria to Ukraine through Hungary, carrying $40 million, 35 million euros, and 9 kilograms of gold, on suspicion of money laundering. The employees were released the following day, and the funds and gold were returned to Ukraine in May. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry condemned the event as 'hostage-taking' and 'state terrorism,' alleging the staff faced 'physical and psychological pressure.' The bank stated that the ECHR's acceptance of the complaint indicates legal merit and that the court will examine the case on its merits, citing Articles 3 and 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which prohibit torture and protect liberty and security.