The United States has released Alexander Vinnik, the Russian co-founder of the Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC)-e cryptocurrency exchange, as part of a negotiated agreement with Moscow.
What Happened: His release follows that of Marc Fogel, an American detained in Russia since 2021, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Officials have characterized the move as part of ongoing diplomatic discussions rather than a direct prisoner swap.
Vinnik, who had been in U.S. custody in California, is now being transferred to Russia.
His legal team confirmed that his family had been informed of the development.
Vinnik was awaiting sentencing in the U.S. after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Authorities had linked BTC-e to cybercriminal activities, including ransomware operations, identity theft and financial crimes.
Before his extradition to the U.S. in 2022, Vinnik was detained for five years in Greece and France following his 2017 arrest.
Initially pleading not guilty, he later admitted to some charges in May 2024.
His French attorney, Frédéric Bélot, expressed relief at his release, noting its significance for both Vinnik and his family.
The decision to release Vinnik was made a day after …
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