Russian-speaking Israelis detained in Montenegro – what they were transporting

A married couple with dual Israeli and Russian citizenship was detained at Tivat Airport (Montenegro) while attempting to fly to Tel Aviv with 19 suitcases. During inspection, large sums of cash and surveillance equipment were found. Searches in Budva and Bar uncovered about one million euros more. The detainees are Alexander and Alexandra Kruglyansky. Suspicions: smuggling and money laundering; no espionage charges yet.

Law enforcement authorities in Montenegro detained a married couple with dual Russian and Israeli citizenship at Tivat Airport as they attempted to fly to Tel Aviv. The reason for the check was an abnormal amount of luggage—19 suitcases and bags. During the inspection, large sums of cash were found, as well as specialized electronics that, according to Montenegrin authorities, could potentially be used for covert surveillance and espionage. After the detention, security forces conducted searches at the suspects' temporary residences in Budva and Bar, where they found additional technological devices and about one million euros in cash. The detainees are 31-year-old Alexander Kruglyansky and 42-year-old Alexandra Kruglyansky. The man previously worked in the technology sector. Currently, they are suspected of smuggling and money laundering. The court ordered their detention extended by one month. No official charges of intelligence activities have been filed yet. The investigation is ongoing.