Americans uncover Hungarian nationals, firms helping Russia with military equipment
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In October, “the U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned 275 individuals and entities involved in supplying Russia with advanced technology and equipment that it desperately needs to support its war machine.” One of them is the Hungarian Bence Horváth. Allegedly, he conspired with others to illegally export U.S.-origin radio communications technology to Russian government end-users without a license.
Hungarian nationals, companies helping Russia
We wrote HERE that Mr Horváth (46) was arrested in August at San Francisco International Airport entering the U.S.A. He is a resident of Spain and is believed to have begun negotiations in January 2023 with a small U.S. radio distribution company. Their objective was to purchase and export U.S.-made military-grade radios and related accessories to Russia.
In the months that followed, Horváth successfully acquired 200 military-grade radios, which he intended to ship to Russia via a Latvian transport service. However, the attempt was thwarted when U.S. Customs and Border Protection seized the shipment, preventing the radios from reaching Russian users.
Horváth is said to have personally arranged the purchase and smuggling of U.S.-origin radio communications technology to Russian government end-users, utilising a network of subsidiaries in Spain, Serbia, Hungary, and Latvia.
According to a new sanctions list of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Horváth allegedly helped in procurement activities involving Russia-based ZAO Budaphone Ltd. (Budaphone). Budaphone is a Russian Ministry of Defense contractor and shares an address with Russia-based Promsvyazradio. The latter company manufactures printed circuits and radio transmitting equipment. The firm also imported high-priority and dual-use technology into Russia. Moreover, a Serbian company, Ventrade DOO, has also exported military-grade radios to Promsvyazradio.
“Budaphone and Promsvyazradio are being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for operating or having operated in the technology sector of the Russian Federation economy. Ventrade DOO is being designated pursuant to E.O. 14024 for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services to or in support of, Promsvyazradio”, the U.S. Department of the Treasury wrote.
But Hungary is sovereign nation and Hungarians can freely do business with the west and east so that it benefits the sovereign Hungary. Sanctions do not concern Hungary, so nothing wrong here… at least according to Fidesz politicians.
I agree with Ostanus, although he was being sarcastic. Hungary is not obligated to support Ukraine or Russia but think of the welfare of her citizens.
In two-month, President Trump will take power. I will not second guess the President’s future action, but the Vice President C.J. Vance is definitely opposed to backing Ukraine with money and weapons.
Dear Maria. Ukraine is asking for assistance as Hungarians did on 1956. It is called solidarity. If Hungarian doesn’t want to help fine, but orban is doing all he can to block the support that the EU wants to provide. Even if USA does not support anymore to Ukraine, probably other countries will.