Montenegro expels six Russian diplomats amid probe into alleged spying, Kremlin shuts consulate

Moscow retaliated by closing its consulate in Montenegro ‘indefinitely’, Russia’s embassy in the small Balkan nation said in a statement

Montenegro ordered the expulsion of six Russian diplomats on September 29 amid a major investigation into alleged spying, prompting Moscow to shutter its consulate in the Balkan nation.

The six, who worked for the Russian embassy in Podgorica, were declared persona non grata due to “activities that are contrary to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations”, the foreign ministry tweeted.

Moscow retaliated by closing its consulate in Montenegro “indefinitely”, Russia’s embassy in the small Balkan nation said in a statement.

“In relation with hostile actions by Montenegrin authorities towards the Russian embassy in Montenegro, working of consular department in Podgorica is closed indefinitely,” Russia’s embassy in Podgorica said.

Earlier, Montenegro launched an investigation into an unspecified number of people suspected of espionage, state prosecutors said while local media reported a link to Russian spying.

Police searched several people’s homes alongside other locations.

Individuals are suspected of “creating a criminal organisation and espionage”, according to Vukas Radonjic, spokesperson of Montenegro’s State Prosecutor’s Office.