Hungarian government shares video of Ukrainian man’s dramatic arrest amid spy controversy – VIDEO
Hungary’s government published a video on its official Facebook page on Saturday, showing the arrest of a Ukrainian man by the Counter Terrorism Centre (TEK) in central Budapest. The footage appears to confirm Telex’s reports that the man’s apprehension is linked to an escalating espionage conflict between Hungary and Ukraine.
Ukrainian man forcefully detained in Budapest
The arrest took place Friday afternoon near Ferenciek Square, as we reported HERE. In the video, heavily armed TEK officers can be seen detaining the middle-aged man, pushing him to the ground and handcuffing him in a public and forceful manner. According to the government’s post, the man was subject to an entry and residence ban imposed by Hungary’s immigration authority due to suspected espionage activities. He was deported later that night.
The statement claimed the individual had previously worked under diplomatic cover at Ukraine’s embassy in Budapest, but no longer held official status. Authorities said his actions had “seriously endangered Hungary’s sovereignty.”
The man, identified by Telex only as Sz. A., reportedly worked at the Ukrainian embassy in the past. His wife is said to be the co-owner of a Ukrainian restaurant in Budapest.
Message to Kyiv?
The video’s release appears to be a pointed message to Kyiv. The arrest followed a series of tit-for-tat diplomatic moves: on Friday morning, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) announced it had dismantled a Hungarian-run spy network operating in western Ukraine. Two former Ukrainian soldiers were arrested and accused of gathering military intelligence for Hungary.
In response, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó expelled two Ukrainian diplomats, prompting Ukraine to retaliate by expelling two Hungarian diplomats from the country. Shortly afterwards, the TEK operation was carried out.
Hungarian intelligence sources told Telex that this case is part of a prolonged and complex intelligence conflict between the two countries that has been unfolding behind the scenes for months. Observers believe this is unlikely to be the final chapter in what appears to be a rapidly intensifying spy war between Budapest and Kyiv.
Related articles:
- Ukraine allegedly catches Hungarian spies monitoring public opinion on potential march-in
- Hungary expels two Ukrainian spies!
- Tensions escalate: Ukraine expels two Hungarian diplomats
- VIDEO: Heavy police presence, roadblock in Budapest due to counter-terrorism operation
UPDATE
Hungarian spy scandal in Ukraine: did Hungarian intelligence gather military data for Moscow?