During a search of an apartment in Budva used by two Russian nationals, A.K. (31) and A.K. (42), police found and seized cash in eight different currencies with a total value of approximately €1 million.
According to the Montenegro Police Directorate, the search also uncovered a polygraph, communication equipment, a large quantity of various IT devices, and cash suspected of being counterfeit.
The two Russian nationals were arrested on September 23 at the “Tivat Airport” border crossing on suspicion of committing the criminal offenses of smuggling and money laundering, RTCG reports.
On September 25, based on an order issued by the Basic Court in Kotor, officers from the “South” Regional Border Police Center, the Department for Combating Cross-Border Crime, together with the unit for combating high-tech crime, the National Security Agency, and the Special Police Department, searched the apartment in Budva.
During the search, various IT equipment, communication devices, a polygraph, and cash in eight different currencies were seized. In addition to euros, the currencies included those of Russia, Serbia, Israel, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Kyrgyzstan. The total value of the cash was approximately €1 million.
Police also found €1,120 suspected to be counterfeit. All items discovered will be subject to further forensic examination.
The two individuals had been searched on September 23 at Tivat Airport, where police and customs officers found €26,210, 1,150 Israeli shekels, as well as a significant quantity of undeclared electronic equipment and medication in their luggage, which was distributed among 19 suitcases.
Several communication devices used by the two Russian nationals were also temporarily seized.
The state prosecutor at the Basic State Prosecutor’s Office in Kotor determined that their actions contained elements of the criminal offenses of smuggling and money laundering and ordered their arrest.
Montenegrin authorities said the investigation is continuing in cooperation with the relevant prosecution offices, the National Security Agency, and other institutions within the security system and the international intelligence community, with the aim of fully clarifying the circumstances surrounding the two suspects.
