Hungarian fugitive with violent past reportedly fighting on Ukrainian front

A Hungarian man wanted on multiple arrest warrants for serious violent offences is believed to be fighting on the Ukrainian front.

Seven arrest warrants and a growing criminal record

37-year-old Miklós Tamás Zichy, originally from Balatonfüred, is currently wanted under seven separate arrest warrants, according to Blikk. Hungarian authorities are seeking him on charges including attempted murder, extortion, embezzlement and illegal recruitment.

His case has drawn particular attention due to reports that he may have joined foreign armed forces in Ukraine, potentially violating Hungarian and international law.

Violent nightclub incident led to prison sentence

Zichy’s most serious conviction stems from a 2019 incident in Balatonfüred. According to case documents, he assaulted a man on the terrace of a bar before being removed by security staff. Enraged, he later threatened retaliation.

The following day, he reportedly attempted to track down the guards and brutally assaulted an acquaintance who refused to provide their contact details. He also allegedly vowed to kill the security personnel.

Later, Zichy returned to the nightclub armed with a legally owned handgun loaded with live ammunition. Witnesses said he brandished the weapon and threatened those present, shouting that he would “shoot everyone”.

A struggle ensued, during which security staff managed to disarm him. Reports indicate he had consumed a mixture of alcohol, drugs and medication prior to the incident.

In May 2022, the Győr Court of Appeal sentenced him to three years in prison for preparation of murder, disorderly conduct, assault and drug possession. However, he failed to report to begin serving his sentence and has been on the run since.

From fugitive to foreign fighter, serving on the Ukrainian front

Authorities later discovered that Zichy was also due to stand trial in Veszprém for alleged embezzlement. During proceedings, his lawyer informed the court that his client was serving in Ukraine.

Social media posts appearing to show Zichy in military uniform, equipped with weapons and wearing a Ukrainian flag patch, suggest he may have joined the conflict against Russian forces. It remains unclear whether he is still alive.

He is believed to have prior military experience, having reportedly served in the French Foreign Legion for several years, Origo reported.

Legal consequences of “illegal recruitment”

Hungarian law, in line with international obligations, classifies participation in foreign armed groups outside allied forces as a criminal offence. Known as “illegal recruitment”, the charge applies to Hungarian citizens who voluntarily join or train with foreign armed organisations engaged in armed conflict.

The offence carries a potential prison sentence of one to five years.

Zichy is now wanted on this charge as well, complicating his legal situation even more if he returns to Hungary.

Uncertain fate

With multiple warrants still active and conflicting reports about his whereabouts, authorities have not confirmed whether Zichy is currently fighting in Ukraine or even still alive.

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