Russian-Israeli Couple Arrested in Montenegro with Cash, Spy Gear

A Russian-Israeli couple, Alexander Kruglyansky, 31, and Alexandra Kruglyanskaya, 42, were arrested at Tivat Airport in Montenegro on Wednesday as they were about to board a flight to Israel. Authorities found 19 suitcases and bags containing undeclared cash, medications, and electronic equipment. Among the seized items were approximately 26,210 euros and 1,150 shekels, a GPS device with a microphone, a signal detector, hidden microphones, and covert cameras, suggesting potential surveillance activities.

Following their arrest, searches of properties used by the couple in the coastal towns of Budva and Bar reportedly uncovered nearly one million euros in cash and additional electronic devices. Montenegrin authorities stated that the couple had visited Montenegro multiple times previously on tourist visas. The nature of the seized equipment has raised suspicions of espionage, with officials investigating the possibility of links to an intelligence organization.

Currently, no official charges of espionage for Russia or Israel have been filed. The couple faces accusations of smuggling and money laundering. The investigation is ongoing and involves Montenegro's National Security Agency and international intelligence community partners. A court ordered their detention extended by one month, citing concerns they might flee.

Local reports identified Alexander Kruglyansky as having worked in the high-tech sector in Moscow. Authorities have indicated the investigation is in its early stages and have not yet established any connection between the couple and previous intelligence investigations in Montenegro.