Montenegrin police have seized drones, advanced digital equipment, electronic devices and mobile phones during an operation targeting members of the Russian information network Rybar in the Bay of Kotor area.
The operation was carried out on Friday by officers from the Tivat Security Department in cooperation with Montenegro’s National Security Agency (ANB), according to the Montenegrin outlet Vijesti, which cited security sources.
Those detained include Rybar head Mikhail Zvinchuk, his wife and associate Valeria Vladimirovna Zvinchuk, and three other individuals. Investigative procedures involving the detainees are reportedly underway.
According to Vijesti, Montenegrin police and the National Security Agency are expected to take further measures within their respective powers to protect national security.
Suspected hybrid activities
The operation reportedly stems from suspicions of hybrid activities linked to Rybar, a network that British and U.S. authorities have associated with Kremlin propaganda and foreign influence operations.
Security sources cited by Vijesti said Montenegrin intelligence services had received warnings about the group members’ arrival and had monitored their movements for several days.
According to the same sources, the group’s stated purpose for visiting Montenegro was to produce documentary video material about the country’s planned alignment of its visa policy with European Union standards.
The sources alleged that the planned material was intended to portray European integration as a politically imposed process with negative consequences for Montenegro’s tourism industry, economic stability and national interests.
The allegations have been reported by Vijesti based on information from security sources. Further details about the evidence gathered, the precise legal grounds for the operation and any formal charges against the detainees have not been provided in the report.
