U.S. and Russia swap prisoners: Crypto suspect for teacher
The United States will release Russian national Alexander Vinnik as part of an exchange with Russia, resulting in the release of Marc Fogel, "The New York Times" reported on Wednesday. Vinnik is suspected of laundering $4 billion from a cryptocurrency exchange. In exchange for Vinnik, Russia has released Marc Fogel, who is already back in the U.S.
Vinnik managed BTC-e, once one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. He was arrested in 2017 and detained at the request of the U.S. on charges of laundering $4 billion, allegedly through the BTC-e exchange he operated. He pleaded guilty and faced up to 20 years in prison.
Prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia
The news of Vinnik's release was confirmed by his French lawyer, Frederic Belot, to the Kremlin news agency RIA Novosti. "Alexander Vinnik will be sent to Russia," he said. However, the exact release date is still being negotiated.
Belot noted that his client was in extremely poor condition. He engaged with numerous individuals in the United States to advocate for his inclusion in the upcoming prisoner exchange. He also collaborated with Marc Fogel’s legal team, whose support was invaluable. The news brings immense relief to both his client and their family.
Vinnik was held in the Santa Rita jail in California.
Source: "The New York Times"/Reuters/RIA Novosti
