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Montenegrin authorities detained Rybar founder Mikhail Zvinchuk, his wife and three other staffers in Risan on October 9, according to reporting by Meduza and local outlet Vijesti. Rybar confirmed the detentions and said its members were in the country legally; officials have not publicly explained the operation or said whether charges have been filed.
Montenegrin authorities detained Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the Russian pro-war Telegram channel Rybar, along with his wife and three other staffers in the town of Risan on the morning of October 9, according to reporting by Meduza and the local outlet Vijesti. Rybar has confirmed the detentions, but authorities have not said whether anyone has been charged or publicly detailed the legal grounds for the operation.
Vijesti reported that those detained were found with digital equipment, drones and other electronic devices. The outlet also reported that Montenegrin security services had monitored Zvinchuk and his team for several days. Media reports described the operation as intended to suppress what they called the Rybar network’s “hybrid activity.” These descriptions have not been confirmed in a public statement from law enforcement.
Prime Minister Milojko Spajić referred to the operation in a post on X but declined to give further details, saying the matter belonged within the competence of security services. He said the detention of the head of the Rybar information network showed that state institutions were doing their jobs and that Montenegro was protecting its interests and European future.
Rybar said the detained group had been in Montenegro legally and officially and called for their swift release, asserting that they had not broken local law. The channel said the group had planned to film at Cetinje Monastery and had submitted an official request to do so. Zvinchuk’s visit was public: he posted a video from Montenegro on RuTube the day before the detentions.
A Security Case With EU Implications
The detention puts scrutiny on the activities of a prominent Russian media network in a country preparing to join the European Union. Montenegro’s government has framed the operation as a matter for its security services and said it is protecting the country’s interests. The reported description of the target as a network engaged in “hybrid activity,” however, has not been accompanied by a public explanation of what conduct authorities suspect.
The case may also draw attention to how Montenegro handles Russian nationals and groups as it aligns policies with EU rules. That has practical relevance for travel, media activity and the country’s security posture. For now, the detention alone does not establish that Zvinchuk or the others committed an offense: the authorities have not announced charges, and Rybar disputes that its members violated local law.
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Rybar’s Reach and Recent Scrutiny
Rybar launched in 2018 and has grown to more than 1.5 million Telegram subscribers, according to the supplied reporting. Zvinchuk, a former press officer for Russia’s Defense Ministry, created the channel with colleague Denis Shchukin. Rybar describes itself as a “military-analytical center” and operates affiliated channels focused on different regions. Businessman Yevgeny Prigozhin helped fund the project in its early years, Meduza reported.
Rybar has faced scrutiny outside Montenegro. In 2024, the U.S. State Department announced a $10 million reward for information about Rybar staffers, alleging that the network had attempted to interfere in the U.S. presidential election. That was an allegation by the U.S. agency, not a finding about the Montenegro detentions. In September, Czechia expelled two Russians working for Rybar after detaining them; the men told authorities they worked for the Russian newspaper Izvestia, according to the supplied reporting.
The arrest also comes as Montenegro prepares for EU membership. The expected accession date is January 1, 2028, though the timeline could change if the country does not complete required legislative changes. Montenegro plans to bring its visa policy closer to EU rules and introduce a visa requirement for citizens of certain countries, including Russia, from November 1. Zvinchuk had previously criticized the likely effects of visa restrictions on Russian tourism in Montenegro.
“The government does not intend to “voice what should remain within the competence of the security services.””
— Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, in a post on X
Charges and Security Allegations Unclear
It is not clear whether Zvinchuk, his wife or the three other Rybar staffers have been charged, how long they may be held, or what specific legal provisions officials are relying on. Montenegrin law enforcement agencies had not officially commented in the reporting provided. The reported presence of equipment and the characterization of the operation as targeting “hybrid activity” have not been independently explained by officials.
There is also no public account from authorities addressing Rybar’s claim that the group was in Montenegro legally or its statement that filming plans had been formally approved. Until officials provide further information, the basis for the detentions and the evidence under consideration remain uncertain.
Official Details and Court Steps Awaited
The next key developments are likely to be an official statement from Montenegrin authorities and information on whether prosecutors have filed charges or sought continued detention. Any court proceedings or formal allegations would clarify the legal basis for the operation and the status of the five people detained.
Until then, the public record consists of the reported security operation, Spajić’s limited comments and Rybar’s account. The supplied reporting does not establish a timetable for further announcements, release decisions or court appearances.
Key Questions
Who was detained in Montenegro?
Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of Rybar, his wife and three other Rybar staffers were detained in Risan on October 9, according to the reporting.
Have authorities said what charges they face?
No charges have been publicly confirmed in the supplied reporting. Montenegrin law enforcement agencies had not officially commented on the detentions.
What does Rybar say about the detentions?
Rybar says the group was in Montenegro legally and officially, had planned to film at Cetinje Monastery after submitting a request, and had not violated local law.
Why is Montenegro’s EU bid relevant?
Prime Minister Spajić linked the operation to protecting Montenegro’s interests and European future. The country is preparing for EU membership and aligning some policies with EU rules, but officials have not publicly set out the specific connection between the detentions and those preparations.
Source: rss
