ANNUAL OVERSEAS SECURITY ADVISORY COUNCIL (OSAC) CRIME AND

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