Key Takeaways
- The US released Bitcoin fraud suspect Alexander Vinnik in a prisoner exchange.
- Vinnik was convicted of laundering up to $4 billion through BTC-e.
- Belarus freed three detainees, including an American, in separate negotiations.
The US has freed Alexander Vinnik, a Russian national convicted of laundering billions through Bitcoin, as part of a prisoner exchange that secured the release of American teacher Marc Fogel from Russian detention.
BTC-e & money laundering
Vinnik, who operated the BTC-e exchange, was arrested in Greece in 2017 at the request of US authorities.
He was accused of laundering up to $4 billion through his platform, which the US Justice Department said facilitated ransomware attacks, identity theft, drug sales, and corruption.
In May 2024, he pleaded guilty and faced up to 20 years in prison.
White House confirmation
The White House confirmed Vinnik’s release, with President Donald Trump stating that another detainee would be freed in the exchange for Fogel, who returned to the US on Tuesday night.
Belarus negotiations
Meanwhile, Belarus released three detainees after negotiations with a US envoy.
One American was among them, and another detainee was freed last week.
US Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler stated that Belarus received nothing in exchange but acted to “curry favor” with Trump.
Released detainees
Among those freed was journalist Andrey Kuznechyk, who was sentenced to six years on charges of creating an extremist group.
His employer, US-funded Radio Liberty, called it a “joyous” day.
The White House has not confirmed if the Belarus releases were tied to the US-Russia prisoner swap.
