Fake ticket inspectors in Budapest? 2 Israeli tourists attacked

Two ticket inspectors demanded HUF 25,000 (EUR 65) as a fine from two Israeli women, but the tourists refused to pay because one of them knew the Hungarian capital well. The argument turned physical, and the two inspectors even made a string of antisemitic remarks. The two women talked about the ghastly event to an Israeli newspaper.

According to the local Ynet, the incident took place at a metro exit in Budapest. The 48-year-old Tamar Jordani, an Israeli teacher, and her 65-year-old mother were stopped on their way out of the underground by two ticket inspectors on Thursday. Even though they presented their tickets, the inspectors said the documents were invalid because the passengers had left downtown.

Since Tamar’s mother knows Budapest well, a heated debate followed. Her mother said to the men they were no legitimate inspectors. It did not take the two women long to realise that no rule-breaking happened; the two men just tried to scam them out of their money, rtl.hu wrote. Even though the scammers took their passports to fine them, the passengers still refused to pay. During the entire time, the two men were slyly standing in a corner, in one spot CCTV could not reach. Therefore, they could not be identified.

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The police were not much of a help

The scammers masqueraded as ticket inspectors demanded HUF 25 thousand (EUR 65) for the supposed misdemeanour but added they would give them a discount if they paid in cash on the spot. “It was terrifying. We fought back by saying we were calling the police”, Tamar recalled to the Israeli media outlet. In addition, they attempted to take photos of the two men, however, that move turned them even more aggressive.

“One threw me on the ground and tried to take my camera, while the other hit my 65-year-old handicapped mother”, Tamar shared the shocking experience. On top of that, the two fake inspectors made some antisemitic remarks saying that all Jews should go back to Israel.

Finally, the police arrived and took the two women and the fake inspectors to the police station for interrogation. The victims said the police acknowledged the fraud but did not take action against the perpetrators. They added that the authorities were not much of a help. They did not even offer a glass of water despite keeping them at the department waiting for an interpreter for eight hours. Rtl.hu sent inquiries to the Budapest Police Department and the Budapest Transport Company (BKK) but have not received an answer yet.

UPDATE: BKK issued a statement which sheds different light on the issue

According to Budapest’s transport company, the fine was proper since the two Israeli tourists did not obtain a valid ticket. Furthermore, the on-site fine is lowe; it is only half of the total fine (HUF 12 thousand instead of 25 thousand). Concerning the behaviour of the two inspectors, the company promised a thorough investigation. They highlighted provided their colleagues acted violently, serious consequences would follow.

In case you are unfamiliar with the local public transport, here is a useful video of how to validate your ticket in Budapest:

Featured image: illustration