Mikhail Zvinchuk Apprehended in Montenegro
On October 9, authorities in the Montenegrin town of Risan arrested Mikhail Zvinchuk, the leader of the Russian propaganda network known as 'Rybar,' along with five associates. The operation was carried out through a coordinated effort between Montenegrin police and the National Security Agency (ANB). This arrest forms part of a broader campaign to counter hybrid threats connected to Kremlin-backed disinformation activities.
Among those detained were Zvinchuk’s wife, collaborator Valeria Zvinchuk, and three additional individuals. The 'Rybar' network is notorious for spreading Kremlin propaganda and conducting foreign influence operations. British authorities have identified Mikhail Zvinchuk as co-owner and CEO of the 'Rybar' company. The network operates with partial coordination from the Russian Presidential Administration, receives funding from the state corporation Rostec, and maintains ties with Russian intelligence services.
The Scope and Operations of 'Rybar'
'Rybar' employs artificially generated pseudo-research to shape public opinion and advance Russian narratives. Zvinchuk is currently subject to UK sanctions and is listed among individuals involved in malicious attempts to interfere in US elections. The US Justice Department’s Reward for Justice program is offering up to $10 million for information on foreign actors involved in election interference, including associates of the 'Rybar' network.
As of November 2024, the 'Rybar' network managed over 250 communication channels in 28 languages and operated media schools across Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Kyrgyzstan. In February 2026, OpenAI blocked 'Rybar' for producing content used in information-psychological special operations. One of the blocked channels was responsible for influence campaigns related to political events in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Burundi, and Madagascar, aiming to organize protests.
The Telegram channel 'Rybar' has yet to issue any statements regarding Zvinchuk’s arrest. Previous reports have highlighted how the Kremlin utilizes this channel to promote its interests across the region.
The detention of Mikhail Zvinchuk and his collaborators highlights growing international vigilance toward Russian propaganda networks seeking to manipulate political processes abroad. It also underscores the critical need for global cooperation in combating information threats that jeopardize democratic institutions and societal stability.