Montenegro Detains Head of Russian “Rybar” Project Mikhail Zvinchuk – Media

Reform.news Editorial Team · 9 October 2026, 11:29

https://reform.news/en/montenegro-detains-head-of-russian-rybar-project-mikhail-zvinchuk-media/

Montenegrin authorities have detained Mikhail Zvinchuk, head of the Russian military propaganda project “Rybar,” his wife Valeria Zvinchuk, and three other people. The Montenegrin outlet Vijesti reports, citing sources in law enforcement agencies.

According to the outlet, the operation is taking place in the town of Risan and is being carried out by Montenegrin police officers together with the country’s National Security Agency. The stated aim is to curb the hybrid activities of a network that British and US authorities link to the spread of Kremlin propaganda and foreign information influence operations.

The British government added Zvinchuk to its sanctions list, identifying him as a co-owner and CEO of “Rybar.” According to the British authorities, the network is partly coordinated by the Russian presidential administration, receives funding from state corporation Rostec, and cooperates with representatives of Russian intelligence services.

The US Department of State also lists Zvinchuk among those involved in foreign influence operations targeting the US electoral process. Under its Rewards for Justice program, US authorities are offering up to $10 million for information that could help locate participants in such operations, including those linked to “Rybar,” or prevent their activities.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that the Russian Embassy in Montenegro was looking into the circumstances of Zvinchuk’s detention, Baza reports.