US Releases Cybercrime Boss Alexander Vinnik in Prisoner Swap with Russia

The U.S. has released Russian cybercrime figure Alexander Vinnik as part of a prisoner exchange that freed American schoolteacher Marc Fogel, marking a significant diplomatic development between the two nations. Vinnik, who was arrested in Greece in 2017 and later pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering, operated BTC-e, a cryptocurrency exchange linked to $4 billion in laundering activities. This exchange was involved in various illicit operations, including computer intrusions and ransomware attacks, and facilitated over $9 billion in transactions. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the exchange, noting that Vinnik had forfeited more than $100 million related to his crimes. His release comes amid ongoing tensions and negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, highlighting the complexity of international diplomacy. Vinnik was due for sentencing in June 2025 before the exchange took place.