Russian-Israeli Couple Arrested in Montenegro With Spy Gear and Cash

A couple with dual Russian-Israeli citizenship was arrested at Tivat Airport in Montenegro on Wednesday as they were about to board a flight to Ben Gurion Airport in Israel. Alexander (31) and Alexandra Kruglyansky (42) were found with 19 suitcases and bags, containing 26,210 euros, 1,150 shekels, suspected narcotics, and undeclared electronic equipment, including devices for surveillance and espionage. Following their arrest, authorities searched properties belonging to the couple in the coastal cities of Budva and Bar, where they discovered additional espionage equipment and approximately one million euros. All seized items and funds have been confiscated. The couple, with the husband reportedly a former Moscow tech company employee, are suspected of smuggling and money laundering. A Montenegrin court extended their detention by one month, though no formal charges have been filed linking them to espionage activities for either Russia or Israel. This incident is part of a pattern of Russian citizens being detained or expelled from Montenegro in recent years on suspicion of intelligence activities in the Balkans.