Spy equipment seized in a Budapest shop

Investigators from the National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) seized several spy tools in a Budapest shop a few days ago, the agency told MTI on Monday. The tools had been imported into the country without a permit.

According to their statement, the devices are classified as secret service equipment, and the company running the shop does not have a licence to import and distribute them.

“The spy equipment concerned is not manufactured in Hungary, so in order to import it into the country, a licence for the import of military equipment must be obtained on the basis of a military activity licence. However, they wrote that the company operating the shop does not have and has never had such a licence”.

During their investigation, the Budapest financial investigators found ultrasonic jamming devices, listening devices, spy cameras hidden in various devices, other audio recording and surveillance equipment in the shop. The infringing devices were seized and removed.

A military technology expert and the NAV’s operational IT inspectors also assisted the tax inspectors. Investigators have launched criminal proceedings on suspicion of having committed the offences of misuse of military equipment or services and unauthorised international trade. The investigation will continue to include any person or company who obtained or possessed an illegal spy tool from the business concerned, the statement said.