Montenegro detains two Russian citizens, seizes million euros in cash
Montenegrin police detained two Russian nationals at Tivat Airport, later finding a large stash of IT equipment, cash and possibly counterfeit banknotes at their apartment. The case is currently being investigated as a financial crime.
Montenegrin authorities detained two Russian citizens, aged 31 and 42, at Tivat Airport last week as they attempted to board a flight with 19 pieces of luggage. The incident was reported by the outlet EUalive, whose information was cited by Delfi.
Shortly after the detention, police searched an apartment in Budva where the pair had been staying. Officers found a significant amount of IT and communications equipment, along with a polygraph device. The apartment also contained cash in eight different currencies, totaling one million euros in value. Additionally, banknotes worth 1,120 euros were discovered that may be counterfeit.
Focus of the investigation
Officially, the case is being treated as a financial crime. However, the outlet notes that the combination of such a large amount of undeclared cash, high-level electronics, a polygraph device and possibly fake currency typically raises concerns about covert operations targeting the small country.
Context
Montenegro has set a goal of becoming the newest member of the European Union by 2028. The country has already opened all accession negotiation chapters and closed roughly half of them. The detention comes as the country continues moving toward EU integration.
