U.S. - Russia swap frees Marc Fogel; accused launderer returned
The United States will release the Russian, Alexander Vinnik, as part of an exchange with Russia, which resulted 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 released Marc Fogel, who is already in the United States.
Vinnik managed BTC-e, once one of the world's largest cryptocurrency exchanges. He was arrested in 2017 and detained at the request of Washington on charges of laundering $4 billion, which he allegedly did through the BTC-e exchange he operated. The man pleaded guilty and faces up to 20 years in prison.
Prisoner exchange between the USA and Russia
The information about 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 release date is still under negotiation.
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. He will be released at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.
Source: "The New York Times"/Reuters/RIA Novosti
