Flash: The founder of a large propaganda network in the Kremlin was arrested in Montenegro

Montenegrin authorities said they would deport Mikhail Zvinchuk, founder of the Russian communications project Rivar, his wife and three other employees on national security grounds.

Five Russian citizens were arrested on the morning of October 9 in the resort town of Risan on the Adriatic Sea.

Montenegrin media, quoting the police, named Mikhail Valeria Zvinchuk, Sergey Bloss, Pavel Lectorchuk and Kira Doroshenko.

In 2024, the United States offered $10 million for information leading to people associated with Rebar, whom it accused of meddling in US politics.

The European Union accuses Ribar of hybrid operations, disinformation and propaganda of the Russian state. Zawinchuk is on the EU's sanctions lists.

International media have repeatedly reported on his direct cooperation with the Russian intelligence services.