P 120909Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY BUDAPEST
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3780

UNCLAS BUDAPEST 000032 
 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FOR DS/TIA/OSAC 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMGT APER ASEC HU
SUBJECT: ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) CRIME AND 
SAFETY REPORT 
 
REF:  08 State 132056 
 
 
¶I.  Overall Crime and Safety Situation 
 
Budapest is rated as a medium threat post for crime.  Although still 
appreciably low by U.S. standards, Hungary's overall crime rate for 
2008 remained consistent with 2007 levels.  Property crimes (theft) 
made up 60 percent of total crimes.  Violent crimes increased 
slightly from 2006 and 2007 statistics.  Crimes committed against 
Americans are based on opportunities; the criminal threat is not 
anti-American. 
 
Street crimes, particularly pick-pocketing, petty thefts from 
persons, thefts from unattended vehicles, and vandalism, are the 
most frequently reported.  Budapest's major train stations and the 
public transportation (tram, subway, and bus) system are popular 
venues for such thefts. 
 
Small, fractional fringe element groups of Neo-Nazis and a similarly 
small skinhead presence are present in Hungarian society but rarely 
adversely impact foreigners.  Their activities, particularly 
rallies, are strictly limited and monitored by police. 
 
The organized crime groups in Hungary control all prostitution, 
stolen cars rings, gambling, and narcotics trafficking.  The 
organized crime division of the Hungarian National Police, in 
partnership with a U.S. Embassy-supported task force of U.S. law 
enforcement officers, is combating the problem of organized crime. 
 
In 2008, the Embassy Consular Section received reports from private 
American citizens who were victims of the following crimes: 
 
     Stolen Passports: 78 
     Scams:            16 
     Violent crime:     3 
     Theft/break-ins:  15 
 
 
II.  Political Violence 
 
Hungary enjoys a relatively stable security environment.  There have 
been no acts of terrorism directed against American interests in 
Hungary. 
 
Since fall 2006, right wing extremists have used the national 
holidays in October and March to stage large-scale demonstrations 
against the Hungarian Government.  These demonstrations were related 
to the fall 2006 riots by right wing extremists reacting to the 
release of an audiotape in which the prime minister admitted lying 
to the public about the economy.  Demonstrators have clashed with 
police and used Molotov cocktails and other debris to throw at 
police who respond with water cannons and tear gas to control the 
violent situations. 
 
The Magyar Garda (Hungarian Guard), established in August 2007 by 
Jobbik, a right wing political group, continued to intimidate and 
conduct anti-Roma activity throughout Hungary.  In December 2008, 
the Budapest Municipal Court dissolved the Magyar Garda Society 
because of its anti-Roma activity.  The court's decision is under 
appeal by Jobbik. 
 
Another right wing extremist group, the Hungarians' Arrows National 
Liberation Army, claimed responsibility for firebombing the homes of 
several Hungarian politicians and the home of the government 
minister who heads the National Security Services. 
 
Throughout the year, several public announcements and worldwide 
cautions alerting U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad to 
potential safety concerns were issued.  Travelers are encouraged to 
visit the Embassy website at www.usembassy.hu for current 
information. 
 
 
III.  Post Specific Concerns 
 
Like most of the other countries in Central Europe, Hungary has been 
identified as a transit country for illegal drugs, coming from 
Turkey and Asia to various destinations in Europe.  Police also 
report that Hungary is increasingly becoming more of a consumer for 
illegal drugs, particularly among teens. 
 
Driving in Hungary can be challenging as drivers are aggressive. 
Recently, the government introduced harsher penalties for speeders 
and traffic violators and traffic incidents have decreased, but 
speeding and reckless driving remain a concern. 
 
In the past few years along the Danube and Tisza Rivers, spring 
flooding has closed roadways and affected low lying towns. 
 
 
IV.  Police Response 
 
The Hungarian Economics Ministry and the Hungarian National Police 
set up a hotline for tourists who are scammed at restaurants and 
clubs.  The hotline number is 438-8080, and operates 24 hours a day 
with English and German language capability.  A tourism information 
line operating 24 hours a day is toll free 06-806-60-044 from 
Hungary and 605-50-044 from abroad.  During the peak tourist season, 
police patrolling major tourist areas were accompanied by 
multi-lingual students who assisted with problems or complaints. 
Police also opened a Tourinform office that operates everyday from 8 
AM till 8 PM.  It is located downtown at Suto Street 2, District 5 
and they are able to receive complaints and render assistance in 
English and German. 
 
 
¶V.  Medical Emergencies 
 
Countrywide Emergency telephone numbers:  104 for emergency 
ambulance service, 105 for fire emergency, and 107 for police 
response.  Police, ambulance and fire emergency assistance calls 
have also been consolidated into one telephone number, 112. For 
emergency/non-emergency patient transportation 311-1666 can be used. 
The Other ambulance service in Budapest is the Fonix SOS Ambulance 
Service (200-0100).  Hospitals in Budapest include the Trauma 
Hospital (299-7700) and the National Hematological Institute 
(455-8100).  Additional, updated information is available from the 
Embassy health unit at 475-4092 during regular business hours. 
 
 
VI. Travel Precautions 
 
In Budapest, as in any major cosmopolitan area, a little common 
sense goes a long way.  As a general rule, visitors should be alert 
to their surroundings and keep control of all personal belongings, 
especially when in crowded public places like public transportation 
and open markets. 
 
Reports of over charging at some restaurants, clubs, and nightspots 
especially in those areas of the city frequented by tourists are not 
uncommon. The consumption girl scam is still a popular practice in 
which "recruiters" seek men out to meet with women in the clubs. 
Those who choose to buy drinks or spend time with the clubs' women 
are usually charged exorbitant fees.  U.S. citizens have reported 
that club bouncers are intimidating and have escorted club patrons 
to ATM machines or back to their hotels to obtain money to pay the 
bills.  In 2008, employees at one of these clubs were charged with 
kidnapping after they forced patrons to withdraw money from an ATM 
to pay their bill.  Police should be called immediately, however, 
that will not necessarily mean that the customer does not have to 
pay the bill.  Before entering these clubs, customers should ask 
about prices. 
 
Post strongly recommends that American citizens avoid large public 
gatherings, especially political rallies and demonstrations, due to 
the potential for violence. 
VII. Further information 
 
U.S. citizens are encouraged to report any situations where they are 
the victims of personal crime in Hungary to the American Embassy in 
Budapest.  The telephone numbers are 475-4400 (ask for American 
Citizen Services) during regular business hours, and 475-4703 after 
hours and on weekends.  The RSO Office can be contacted at 475-4918, 
and MSG Post One at 475-4924. 
VIII. OSAC Country Council 
 
Post does not have a formalized OSAC country council, but the RSO 
Office is readily available whenever a U.S. company wants to discuss 
security/crime issues.  The RSO Office also works with the Embassy's 
Foreign Commercial Service section on matters affecting the U.S. 
business community. 
 
FOLEY