‘Mr Bitcoin’ released by US after being arrested in Greece, lawyer confirms on Thursday

Russian cybercriminal Alexander Vinnik was released from US custody in a prisoner exchange on Thursday and is en route to Russia, according to a statement from his lawyer. The lawyer mentioned that Vinnik had arrived in Turkey and was set to land in Moscow shortly.

The White House spokesperson confirmed that Vinnik was exchanged for American teacher Marc Fogel, who arrived in the US. Vinnik had a closed-door hearing earlier in the week, after which his location was unknown, leading to speculation and uncertainty.

The lawyer’s statement indicated that a recent hearing had taken place in a US Federal Court regarding Vinnik, but the details remain classified, preventing any comments on its outcome. Vinnik, also known as “Mr Bitcoin,” was apprehended in Greece in 2017 on a US warrant for laundering billions through BTC-e, a crypto exchange. After being held in a French prison, he was sent to the US in 2022 and later admitted to money laundering charges in 2024.

Efforts were made earlier to involve Vinnik in a US-Russia prisoner exchange in August, although they did not succeed at the time. His release and return to Russia are the latest developments in this long-standing legal case. The exchange of Vinnik for Fogel signals cooperation between the two nations in addressing legal matters and resolving situations involving foreign nationals.

These events surrounding Vinnik’s arrest, extradition, and subsequent release highlight the complexities of international law, extradition procedures, and diplomatic relations. The case exemplifies the challenges and nuances involved in addressing cybercrime and financial crimes across borders.

Vinnik’s journey from Greece to France, the US, and now back to Russia underscores the international nature of his legal entanglements and the coordination required between nations to facilitate his movements. The legal battles and negotiations that have transpired in this case shed light on the intricate web of international law enforcement and legal systems.

As Vinnik returns to Russia, the legal implications and consequences of his actions continue to reverberate, with broader implications for the handling of cybercrime, money laundering, and extradition proceedings. The resolution of his case marks a significant chapter in the ongoing saga of international legal disputes and cross-border criminal activities.