Montenegro arrests two Russians carrying extensive surveillance gear bound for Israel
Montenegrin authorities detained two Russian nationals at Tivat airport after discovering a large cache of spying equipment and cash in their luggage intended for a flight to Tel Aviv.
At Tivat airport, security personnel flagged the luggage of two Russian citizens, Alekszandr Mihajlovics Krugljanszkij and Aleksandra Krugljanszkaja, who were preparing to travel to Tel Aviv. A thorough inspection revealed that more than half of their nineteen suitcases were packed with specialized electronic gear, including microphone-integrated GPS units, radio-frequency detectors, concealed cameras, image recorders, high-capacity storage devices, server parts and cabling.
In addition to the equipment, officers seized a notable sum of cash and a batch of medication. The pair were immediately detained on allegations of money laundering and smuggling. Police then conducted searches of their residences in the coastal towns of Bar and Budva, where they discovered further technical apparatus and additional cash reserves. Montenegro's police, the state prosecutor's office, the national security agency (ANB) and several international security and intelligence bodies are now jointly investigating the case.
Why it matters
The seizure highlights potential illicit espionage activities and financial crimes crossing European and Middle Eastern borders.
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