On October 9, 2026, Montenegrin police and the National Security Agency detained Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the Rybar Telegram channel, his wife Valeria Zvinchuk—the project’s creative director—and three other employees in Risan. The arrest occurred at 7:30 a.m. local time at the Mövenpick Hotel in Montenegro.
Zvinchuk had reportedly not paid for his accommodation at the hotel, with staff stating he did not cover the €1,000 cost. Following detention, the individuals were transported to Podgorica, Montenegro’s capital, where they underwent questioning and their mobile phones and documents were seized by authorities.
According to Montenegrin intelligence services, Zvinchuk and his team had been under surveillance for several days prior to the arrest and knew in advance of their arrival in Montenegro. Authorities allege that the group intended to produce a documentary on Montenegro’s proposed visa regime aligned with European Union standards, which they claim could be used to present the country’s integration efforts negatively while raising concerns about economic stability, tourism, and national security.
Montenegrin officials have indicated that Rybar’s activities may constitute hybrid warfare tactics conducted online. No formal charges have been filed at the time of reporting.
Zvinchuk is currently subject to sanctions from both the United Kingdom and the United States. The UK added the Rybar channel and Zvinchuk to its anti-Russian sanctions list in December 2025, while the U.S. State Department has listed him as involved in influence operations targeting the U.S. electoral process. In November 2023, Russian President Vladimir Putin awarded Zvinchuk the medal of the Order of Merit for the Fatherland, second degree.
