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Montenegro Detains Russian Rybar Chief Linked to Kremlin Hybrid Warfare
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Montenegrin security forces have detained Mikhail Zvinchuk, head of the Russian pro-Kremlin information network Rybar, along with several associates during an operation targeting suspected hybrid influence activities in the country.
This was reported by Montenegrin outlet Vijesti on October 9, citing sources within the security sector.
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According to the outlet, Zvinchuk was detained on the morning of October 9 in the town of Risan, alongside his wife and associate Valeria Zvinchuk and three other individuals.
The operation is being conducted by Montenegrin police in cooperation and coordination with the country's National Security Agency.
Security sources told Vijesti that the operation aims to disrupt suspected hybrid activities linked to the Rybar network, which British and US authorities have associated with the dissemination of Kremlin propaganda and foreign information influence operations.
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Zvinchuk has previously been identified by both governments as a key figure involved in alleged malicious influence activities.
According to Vijesti, citing British government, Zvinchuk is a co-owner and chief executive officer of Rybar, a network that London claims is partly coordinated by the Russian presidential administration, receives funding from the state-owned defense corporation Rostec, and maintains connections with Russian intelligence officials.
Zvinchuk is currently subject to British sanctions over his alleged involvement in these activities.
Meanwhile, the US State Department has identified him among individuals allegedly involved in malign foreign influence operations targeting the American electoral process.
Through its Rewards for Justice program, the US State Department offers rewards of up to $10 million for information helping identify or locate foreign actors involved in interference in US elections, including alleged Rybar associates, or assisting efforts to prevent such activities.
The detentions in Montenegro follow earlier investigative findings concerning Rybar's activities across Europe. On September 21, Czech investigative outlet Seznam Zprávy reported uncovering a network of Russian media operatives who traveled across European countries to collect footage and other materials allegedly intended for Kremlin-backed disinformation campaigns.
According to the investigation, Rybar deployed filming crews based in the European Union for extended periods, with reported operations in Czechia, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Serbia, and France.
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