PODGORICA – Mikhail Zvinchuk, head of the Russian information network “Rybar”, was detained in Risan this morning alongside several associates, Vijesti reported.
Montenegrin police, acting in coordination with the National Security Agency, launched an operation to suppress the hybrid activities of a network linked by British and American authorities to Kremlin propaganda and foreign influence operations.
Those arrested included Zvinchuk’s wife, Valeria Vladimirovna Zvinchuk, alongside three other individuals.
Both British and American authorities have identified Mikhail Zvinchuk as a central actor in malicious hybrid operations.
Vijesti reported that the police found sophisticated digital equipment, drones, electronic devices, and mobile phones with Zvinchuk and his detained associates.
The British government has designated Zvinchuk as co-owner and general manager of “Rybar”, stating that the network is partly coordinated by the Russian presidential administration, receives funding from the Rostec State Corporation, and cooperates with members of Russian intelligence services.
Zvinchuk is under British sanctions, while the State Department lists him among those involved in malicious influence operations targeting the American election process.
The State Department, through its Rewards for Justice program, is offering up to 10 million dollars for information that would enable the identification or location of foreign actors involved in interfering in American elections, including associates of “Rybar”, or help prevent such actions.
