Alexander Vinnik, co-founder of BTC-e, is currently being held in the United States on charges of money laundering, aiding ransomware attacks, identity theft schemes, and drug trafficking. The US Department of Justice originally charged Vinnik in 2017, and BTC-e was seized and halted by US authorities in July 2017.
Prisoner Swap
According to The Wall Street Journal, Vinnik is seeking release through a prisoner swap. Vinnik is a Russian citizen, and the Russian government has reportedly submitted unsuccessful extradition requests during his detainment.
Vinnik’s lawyer has argued in court that he should be allowed to respond to accusations and advocate for his inclusion in a prisoner exchange. The US was reportedly willing to trade Vinnik for US women’s pro basketball player Brittney Griner, who was previously held in Russia on drug charges. However, Griner was ultimately freed in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in 2022.
Vinnik’s Denial
Vinnik has pleaded not guilty to US charges and denied having control over the exchange’s direction, according to The Wall Street Journal. Despite the fact that the United States announced charges against Vinnik years ago, he was not extradited to the US until August 2022.
France’s Conviction on Money Laundering Charges
Vinnik was first arrested in Greece in 2017 at the request of the US. He was then extradited to France in 2020, where he was cleared of ransomware charges but convicted on money laundering charges. He was sentenced to five years in prison in France.
Alexander Vinnik, co-founder of BTC-e, seeks release through a prisoner swap. Vinnik is currently being held in the United States on charges of money laundering, aiding ransomware attacks, identity theft schemes, and drug trafficking. Despite the fact that the United States announced charges against Vinnik years ago, he was not extradited to the US until August 2022.