Criminal9/26/2026

Israeli Citizens Arrested Before Departing Montenegro

Alexander Kruglyansky and his partner, Alexandra, who hold Israeli and Russian citizenship, were arrested at Tivat Airport before a flight to Ben Gurion Airport. A court in Montenegro extended their detention for one month as part of an investigation into suspected smuggling and money laundering.

Key facts

•Alexander, 31, and Alexandra Kruglyansky, 42, were arrested
•Place of arrest: Tivat Airport, Montenegro
•Luggage: 19 bags and suitcases
•€26,210 and approximately NIS 1,150 were found at the airport
•€1 million was found during subsequent searches
•The detention was extended for one month

What Happened at the Airport

According to the report, Alexander Kruglyansky, 31, and Alexandra Kruglyansky, 42, were arrested on Wednesday during a border inspection involving local customs officials. They intended to travel to Israel and were carrying 19 bags and suitcases. During the inspection, electronic equipment, medications, substances suspected of being drugs, €26,210, and approximately NIS 1,150 were found.

What Was Later Discovered

During subsequent searches in the coastal cities of Budva and Bar, police found an additional €1 million, which, according to the report, belonged to the couple. More electronic and communications equipment was also found, including devices used for surveillance and espionage. The money, medications, and equipment were confiscated.

The Court's Decision and the Status of the Investigation

A court in Montenegro extended the couple's detention for one month. The stated basis for the investigation is suspected smuggling and money laundering, but the source does not provide a case number, the name of the court, or the statutory provisions applied. No formal indictment has been filed concerning state-sponsored espionage activity on behalf of Russia or Israel; the investigation remains in its preliminary stages.

The Connection to Israel

The Israeli aspect of the case concerns the detainees' citizenship and their intention to travel to Ben Gurion Airport. The arrest itself, the investigation, and the judicial decision fall under Montenegro's jurisdiction. The source does not mention any proceedings before an Israeli court or any action by Israeli law enforcement authorities.

What this means for you

Holding Israeli and Russian citizenship does not, in itself, exempt a traveler from the laws of the country in which they are located. Carrying large sums of undeclared money, electronic equipment, medications, or prohibited substances may lead to arrest, seizure of property, and a criminal investigation under local law. In this case, the detainees' guilt has not yet been determined, and the source does not state the final outcome of the proceedings.

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