Israeli Citizens Arrested in Montenegro with Large Sums, Gadgets

Montenegrin authorities have arrested a couple, Alexander and Alexandra Kruglyansky, who hold both Russian and Israeli citizenship, at Tivat Airport. Their unusual luggage, consisting of 19 suitcases, drew the attention of customs and law enforcement. During the search, officials found 26,000 euros and 1,150 shekels on the couple. Ten of the suitcases contained electronic devices, including surveillance cameras, CCTV equipment, professional network testing gear, computer components, and a professional radio signal detector, along with a GPS tracker featuring a microphone and a Russian inscription.

Searches of properties used by the Kruglyanskys in Budva and Bar uncovered approximately 1 million euros in cash and additional surveillance and counter-surveillance equipment. The couple, who had been residing in Montenegro for an extended period, registered for a flight to Tel Aviv using their Israeli passports. However, their Russian citizenship, combined with the discovered items, raised suspicions.

Montenegrin police described them as "Russians who used Israeli passports for travel." While formal charges under discussion include "goods smuggling" and "money laundering," the Montenegrin National Security Agency has joined the investigation, exploring "other possible avenues." A local court ordered the couple detained for 30 days due to a high flight risk.

Details regarding the origin of the cash, the purpose of the electronic equipment, its acquisition, intended destination in Israel, and the couple's occupation remain unclear. Public speculation ranges from espionage to a business dealing in computer components or software development, though the large sum of cash raises questions about the latter. The couple's defense has not yet made public statements.