In a notable prisoner swap between the United States and Russia, Alexander Vinnik, a Russian cryptocurrency expert, has returned to Moscow. This exchange saw American history teacher Marc Fogel released from Russian custody. Vinnik, previously jailed in the U.S. for cryptocurrency fraud, touched down in Moscow after a layover in Turkey.
Vinnik, who operated the BTC-e cryptocurrency exchange, faced charges in the U.S. for conspiracy to commit money laundering after his arrest in Greece in 2017. He pleaded guilty to these charges. His return corresponds with the release of Fogel, imprisoned in Russia since August 2021 for marijuana possession and deemed wrongfully detained by American authorities.
Fogel’s release, welcomed by U.S. officials, is seen as a diplomatic gesture that might pave the way for further negotiations concerning the conflict in Ukraine. Former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that the swap could lead to a peace agreement, citing positive dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
(With inputs from agencies.)