Dual Russian-Israeli Citizens Arrested in Montenegro with Espionage Gear
Two Russian-Israeli dual citizens were arrested at Montenegro's Tivat Airport carrying undeclared cash, electronics, and surveillance gear ahead of a flight to Israel.
Dual Citizens Arrested in Montenegro Before Flight to Israel
Montenegrin authorities arrested two individuals holding dual Russian and Israeli citizenship at the Tivat Airport on Wednesday. The suspects, identified as 31-year-old Alexander Kruglyansky and 42-year-old Alexandra Kruglyansky, were intercepted during border control while attempting to board a flight to Ben Gurion Airport with 19 pieces of luggage.
According to local reports, the male suspect is a former employee of a Moscow-based high-tech firm. During the baggage inspection, customs officials discovered 26,210 euros, approximately 1,150 shekels, undeclared electronic equipment, and substances suspected of being drugs. Law enforcement sources stated that the confiscated items included communication devices and surveillance equipment.
Millions Found During Coastal Raids
Subsequent searches conducted by police in the coastal towns of Budva and Bar uncovered nearly one million euros linked to the couple, alongside additional electronics, including espionage-grade gear. The suspects are currently facing charges of smuggling and money laundering, and a Montenegrin court has extended their detention by one month.
"Law enforcement agencies are investigating the source of the funds and the precise nature of the confiscated electronic equipment," local judicial officials reported.
At this stage, no official charges linking the pair to state-sponsored espionage—either by Russia or Israel—have been formally announced, and the investigation remains in its early stages. The incident echoes previous cases in the Balkans involving Russian nationals suspected of intelligence-related activities.
