Bitrabo Editorial
Alexander Vinnik, co-founder of crypto exchange BTC-e, is trying a unique approach to secure his release from charges relating to his involvement in an alleged illegal cryptocurrency exchange. Vinnik’s attorney is seeking to update a protective order in his case with the aim of facilitating a prisoner exchange between Russia and the US. As per a recent report in The Wall Street Journal, there’s potential for Vinnik to be swapped for detained WSJ journalist, Evan Gershkovich.
BTC-e co-founder Alexander Vinnik. Image: CBS News
Vinnik’s Lawyer Presents Argument for Prisoner Exchange
At a recent court hearing, Vinnik’s attorney argued for his client’s opportunity to address the accusations against him and present his case for inclusion in a potential prisoner swap. Vinnik, a Russian citizen, has been held in the US since 2017 after the US Department of Justice charged him with money laundering allegations relating to his involvement with BTC-e.
The US authorities accused Vinnik and his crypto exchange of facilitating various illicit activities including ransomware attacks, identity theft schemes, and drug trafficking. The US government seized and shut down BTC-e, leading to the arrest of several exchange staff members in July 2017.
BTCUSD backpedals into the $26K region. Chart: TradingView.com
Reports from September 2022 suggest that the US government was open to exchanging Vinnik for Brittney Griner, a professional basketball player from the US women’s pro basketball league who had been detained in Russia on drug charges. However, Griner was ultimately released in 2022 in exchange for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Vinnik pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him by the US. He also denied having control over the direction of BTC-e and asserted his lack of involvement in any wrongdoing relating to the exchange.
Brittney Griner, US professional basketball player. Image: AFP-JIJI
US Authorities Demand Gershkovich’s Release
The push for a potential trade deal involving Vinnik coincides with the US government’s effort to secure the immediate release of Gershkovich. Gershkovich was arrested in March by Russian authorities, accusing him of espionage – the first case since the Cold War of a US journalist being detained on spying charges. Recently, his detention period was extended until August 30.
Vinnik’s legal journey began in 2017 when he was initially apprehended in Greece on charges of money laundering based on a US warrant. Subsequently, in 2020, he was extradited to France, where he was cleared of allegations related to crypto ransomware but convicted of money laundering. After spending two years in a French correctional facility, he was extradited to the US on August 5, 2022.
The developments surrounding Vinnik’s potential prisoner exchange seek to address both his legal situation and the calls for Gershkovich’s release, reflecting the complex dynamics at play in these ongoing cases.
-Featured image from AP Images/European Union-EP