Hungarian Businessman Pursues $174 Million Claim Against Ukrainian Oligarch, Alleges Lack of State Support
Vienna, Austria – A Hungarian businessman, identified only as Andras, is locked in a years-long legal battle to recover $174 million from Ukrainian oligarch Dmitro Firtas, currently facing extradition proceedings in Vienna. Andras alleges a lack of support from Hungarian state authorities in enforcing a court judgment in his favor, raising questions about the government’s role in assisting citizens with international legal claims.
The dispute centers around a financial claim stemming from a business dealing with Firtas, who has been pursued by multiple authorities and remains in Austrian custody awaiting potential extradition to the United States on charges including blackmail, bribery, money laundering, and embezzlement. Firtas posted $174 million bail in Austrian court to avoid imprisonment while fighting extradition. Andras initiated legal action to enforce a judgment securing his claim on the funds.
andras reportedly appealed to Andor Nagy, Hungary’s Ambassador to Vienna, for assistance in navigating the Austrian legal system and enforcing the judgment. However, he received a response stating that Hungarian foreign affairs bodies are not responsible for aiding Hungarian citizens in such matters. this response has fueled Andras’s frustration, who argues that the Hungarian state should assist its citizens in enforcing legally obtained judgments abroad.
The case is primarily in Andras’s interest, but he contends that the Hungarian state has a obligation to support its citizens in international legal proceedings. He is currently pursuing legal avenues in Cyprus, hoping a successful outcome there will facilitate enforcement of the judgment in other jurisdictions.
Despite the anticipated length and complexity of the legal battle, andras remains steadfast to recover the $174 million, believing that state assistance could considerably improve his chances of success. The outcome may hinge, he suggests, on the degree of cooperation he receives from the Hungarian government.