On October 9, 2026, Montenegrin police detained the individuals behind the Telegram channel known as Rybar. The channel’s founder, Mikhail Zvintchuk, his wife Valeria, and associates Sergey Belous, Pavel Lekatortschuk, and Kira Doroshenko were taken into custody. The police described the action as part of a targeted, coordinated operation involving the National Security Agency and international partners, aimed at preventing, identifying and neutralizing illegal activity on Montenegrin territory.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova informed journalists that the detained authors had been released. She said they were at the airport waiting for departure and that Russian diplomats were providing assistance. Zakharova’s exact words were: "The group was released, they are at the airport waiting for departure. Diplomats are providing assistance."
Montenegrin police announced a decision to expel Rybar founder Mikhail Zvintchuk, his wife Valeria, and associates Sergey Belous, Pavel Lekatortschuk, and Kira Doroshenko from the country. The police statement reiterated that the operation had been conducted jointly with the National Security Agency and with the support of international partners, emphasizing the goal of safeguarding Montenegro from illegal activities.
Zakharova’s exact words were: "The group was released, they are at the airport waiting for departure.
According to Zakharova, Russian diplomats are assisting the released individuals as they await their flight out of Montenegro.