Montenegro Arrests and Expels Leader of Russian 'Rybar' Network

· Investigations · Montenegro · Russia

Montenegrin authorities arrested and then expelled the leader of the Russian pro-war Telegram channel "Rybar" and several associates, OCCRP reported. Officials said they acted over "hybrid warfare" fears, confiscating drones and digital equipment and ordering the deportation of five Russian nationals. The Rybar network is known for openly pro-war commentary and is widely followed in Russian military-blogging circles. The operation is notable because it combines criminal detention with administrative expulsion, rather than a conventional prosecution. It also puts Montenegro, a NATO member with a significant Russian émigré population and a long history of alleged Russian influence operations, at the center of European counter-hybrid-warfare efforts. The confiscated equipment could feed further investigations into the network's activities in the Balkans.

Why it matters：The case shows European states increasingly treating influence networks as security threats, blending migration enforcement with counter-hybrid-warfare investigations that could shape how similar networks are handled elsewhere.

Key points

  • Montenegrin authorities cited "hybrid warfare" fears as the reason for the crackdown.
  • Drones and digital equipment were confiscated during the operation.
  • Five Russian nationals were ordered deported, including the Rybar network leader.

Sources (original reporting)

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