The United States has released Alexander Vinnik, co-founder of the now-defunct crypto exchange BTC-e, after serving eight years in prison for money laundering and other financial crimes.
Vinnik Freed From U.S.
Vinnik’s release comes amid growing speculation about U.S.-Russia diplomatic dealings after recent events involving detainee releases in Belarus. On Wednesday, the White House announced that Belarus had freed three detainees, including an American, following negotiations led by U.S. Envoy for Hostages Adam Boehler.
Boehler told CNN that the U.S. secured the release as part of a “deal” but emphasized that Belarus received nothing in exchange. He also suggested that Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko agreed to the move to “curry favor” with Donald Trump, who was reportedly involved in the talks.
While it remains unclear if Vinnik’s release is directly linked to these negotiations, the timing has raised speculation about whether Russia, Belarus, and the U.S. are engaged in broader prisoner-related discussions.
Following his release, Vinnik’s next steps remain uncertain. Russia has long sought his extradition, arguing that he should be prosecuted under Russian law rather than by Western authorities. Some experts believe the Russian authorities may attempt to bring him back, especially given its ongoing tensions with the U.S.
Vinnik’s Legal Battle
BTC-e was shut down in 2017 after U.S. authorities alleged it had facilitated over $4 billion in illicit transactions. The exchange was widely used for money laundering, cybercrime, and ransomware payments, including funds from the infamous Mt. Gox hack.
Vinnik was arrested in July 2017 while in Greece at the request of the U.S. government. Over the next several years, he faced legal battles across Greece, France, and the U.S., as multiple countries sought extradition. His release after eight years in custody suggests that a deal or plea agreement may have been reached as he was initially sentenced to a 50-year jail term.
Meanwhile, U.S. regulators continue to tighten crypto compliance laws. The authorities have cracked down on other non-compliant exchanges, including Silk Road and Helix, both of which were linked to money laundering and darknet activities.
