The head of Hungary’s Central Investigative Chief Prosecutor’s Office (KNYF), Pál Fürcht, has resigned, reportedly due to escalating internal tensions within the prosecutorial system and disputes linked to several politically sensitive cases, including the so-called “Ukrainian gold convoy” affair.

The resignation, confirmed by the Prosecutor General’s Office, was submitted on 8 June and is said to have been motivated by professional disagreements between the KNYF leadership and the supervisory department of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

Internal conflict over sensitive investigations

According to HVG, the decision follows months of growing friction within the prosecution service over the handling of several major investigations, including:

  • alleged corruption networks involving municipal structures
  • cases linked to foundations connected to Hungary’s central bank assets
  • the investigation into a raid on Ukrainian cash transport vehicles

In its official communication, the KNYF stated that disagreements had emerged over procedural strategy, including the order of investigative steps and questioning of potential suspects in the Ukrainian cash transport case.

The Prosecutor General’s Office reportedly argued that there was already sufficient suspicion against certain high-ranking individuals, while the investigative body preferred a different procedural sequence.

The “Ukrainian gold convoy” case

At the centre of the controversy is a March operation involving the interception of two cash transport vehicles travelling from Austria to Ukraine. Authorities reportedly seized approximately HUF 27 billion in cash and gold during the raid carried out by Hungary’s counter-terrorism unit and tax authorities.

The Ukrainian drivers were later released and expelled, while the seized assets were eventually returned after the political transition. Authorities later stated that the originally cited national security concerns were not sufficiently substantiated.

The case has been politically charged from the outset, with conflicting narratives emerging between Hungarian and Ukrainian authorities regarding the legality and motivation behind the operation.

Claims of political pressure and disputed interpretations

Hungarian media reports have suggested that the operation may have been influenced by high-level political considerations, though no official confirmation has been provided for such claims.

The case has also been linked to broader geopolitical tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, particularly regarding energy supply disputes and diplomatic friction.

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Transition period for prosecution leadership

According to the Prosecutor General’s Office, Pál Fürcht’s resignation will take legal effect within six months, as required by Hungarian law. He has been offered a position within the Prosecutor General’s Office during the transition period.

Officials have also stated that the investigation into the Ukrainian cash transport case will continue under a different supervisory unit to avoid any appearance of bias.

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