Ukrainian Espionage Scandal Unfolds in Hungary
Hungarian security services identify alleged Ukrainian spies amid tensions related to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Hungarian security services have identified several individuals suspected of espionage linked to Ukrainian intelligence operations.
Key among those is Roland Tseber, described as an 'illegal officer' of the Ukrainian intelligence service, who is believed to have actively engaged with members of Hungary's opposition for an extended period.
According to announcements made by Máté Kocsis, the leader of the Fidesz parliamentary group, further investigations are underway regarding another suspect, István Holló, who is also facing charges of espionage due to his activities while cooperating with Ukrainian military intelligence.
Tseber's connections included meetings with several leading political figures and high-ranking officials from parliamentary parties, indicating a significant level of interaction with the political landscape in Hungary.
His role allegedly involved organizing visits for opposition members to Ukraine, with the objective of shifting Hungary’s stance on the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Kocsis stated that the Hungarian security services have had Tseber under surveillance for years, categorizing him firmly within the interests of foreign intelligence.
In the context of these developments, two Ukrainian diplomats, Yurii Kenich and Dmytro Kisfalus, were expelled from Hungary following their departure from the country on May 11. This measure followed an investigation related to former Ukrainian diplomat Serhiy Alexandrov, who faced questioning due to suspicions of engaging in intelligence activities contrary to Hungarian interests.
The security committee's session recounted that Tseber, once a dual citizen of Ukraine and Hungary, renounced his Hungarian citizenship in 2017. Since then, he has reportedly advanced his political career in Ukraine, notably serving as a representative on the Transcarpathian Regional Council.
Furthermore, findings indicate that Tseber held discussions with Hungarian defense sector officials, which led to a ban on his entry into Hungary last autumn.
Regarding István Holló, Kocsis noted that this individual has been on the Hungarian intelligence radar for an extended time.
Although bearing a Hungarian-sounding name, Holló is solely a Ukrainian citizen and does not possess Hungarian citizenship.
He was taken into custody by the Counter-Terrorism Center on May 9, leading to an investigation by the National Investigation Office for suspected espionage acts.
Holló's activities reportedly involved efforts to gather intelligence on Hungary's military and energy infrastructure while maintaining contacts within various relevant sectors.
His network allegedly encompasses numerous individuals active in Hungarian political life, which Kocsis characterized as an attempt to negatively influence Hungary’s international reputation.
The backdrop to these allegations includes ongoing diplomatic tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, with claims made during recent sessions of the security committee that Ukraine has launched unprecedented smear campaigns against Hungary, aiming to undermine its peace-oriented stance within the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
These situations have prompted a broader examination of foreign influence in Hungary, particularly regarding disinformation campaigns and intelligence activities by foreign states operating within Hungary.
Key among those is Roland Tseber, described as an 'illegal officer' of the Ukrainian intelligence service, who is believed to have actively engaged with members of Hungary's opposition for an extended period.
According to announcements made by Máté Kocsis, the leader of the Fidesz parliamentary group, further investigations are underway regarding another suspect, István Holló, who is also facing charges of espionage due to his activities while cooperating with Ukrainian military intelligence.
Tseber's connections included meetings with several leading political figures and high-ranking officials from parliamentary parties, indicating a significant level of interaction with the political landscape in Hungary.
His role allegedly involved organizing visits for opposition members to Ukraine, with the objective of shifting Hungary’s stance on the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
Kocsis stated that the Hungarian security services have had Tseber under surveillance for years, categorizing him firmly within the interests of foreign intelligence.
In the context of these developments, two Ukrainian diplomats, Yurii Kenich and Dmytro Kisfalus, were expelled from Hungary following their departure from the country on May 11. This measure followed an investigation related to former Ukrainian diplomat Serhiy Alexandrov, who faced questioning due to suspicions of engaging in intelligence activities contrary to Hungarian interests.
The security committee's session recounted that Tseber, once a dual citizen of Ukraine and Hungary, renounced his Hungarian citizenship in 2017. Since then, he has reportedly advanced his political career in Ukraine, notably serving as a representative on the Transcarpathian Regional Council.
Furthermore, findings indicate that Tseber held discussions with Hungarian defense sector officials, which led to a ban on his entry into Hungary last autumn.
Regarding István Holló, Kocsis noted that this individual has been on the Hungarian intelligence radar for an extended time.
Although bearing a Hungarian-sounding name, Holló is solely a Ukrainian citizen and does not possess Hungarian citizenship.
He was taken into custody by the Counter-Terrorism Center on May 9, leading to an investigation by the National Investigation Office for suspected espionage acts.
Holló's activities reportedly involved efforts to gather intelligence on Hungary's military and energy infrastructure while maintaining contacts within various relevant sectors.
His network allegedly encompasses numerous individuals active in Hungarian political life, which Kocsis characterized as an attempt to negatively influence Hungary’s international reputation.
The backdrop to these allegations includes ongoing diplomatic tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, with claims made during recent sessions of the security committee that Ukraine has launched unprecedented smear campaigns against Hungary, aiming to undermine its peace-oriented stance within the context of the Russian-Ukrainian conflict.
These situations have prompted a broader examination of foreign influence in Hungary, particularly regarding disinformation campaigns and intelligence activities by foreign states operating within Hungary.
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