Israeli-Russian Couple Detained in Montenegro With 19 Bags of Suspected Spy Gear

A couple holding both Russian and Israeli citizenship were detained in Montenegro while attempting to board a flight to Israel with 19 suitcases and bags. Police discovered electronic equipment during a search, which local sources suggest could be used for espionage. The couple, identified as 31-year-old Alexander and 42-year-old Alexandra Kruglyanskikh, were stopped at Tivat Airport on Wednesday during border control before boarding a flight to Ben Gurion Airport. Local sources identified Alexander as a former employee of a tech company in Moscow. In their luggage, authorities found over 26,000 euros, approximately 1,150 shekels, undeclared electronics, and substances preliminarily identified as narcotics. Surveillance and communication devices were also seized. Subsequent searches of their properties in Budva and Bar uncovered at least one million euros. The money, equipment, and substances have been confiscated. A court has extended the couple's detention for one month. No official charges of espionage or working for Russia or Israel have been published. This incident is part of a series of recent cases involving Russian citizens suspected of intelligence activities in the Balkans. Montenegrin authorities have previously detained or expelled Russians on similar suspicions, including a Russian citizen detained in 2024 at Washington's request, suspected of interfering in U.S. elections. It is not reported whether the current case is connected to previous ones.