Disclaimer: Information found on CryptoreNews is those of writers quoted. It does not represent the opinions of CryptoreNews on whether to sell, buy or hold any investments. You are advised to conduct your own research before making any investment decisions. Use provided information at your own risk.
CryptoreNews covers fintech, blockchain and Bitcoin bringing you the latest crypto news and analyses on the future of money.
Alexander Vinnik’s attorney has verified that the United States has “dropped” the case against the former operations and finance director of the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange BTC-e, following Vinnik’s release last week.
According to the Russian state-owned news agency TASS, attorney Arkady Bukh stated that the Northern District of California had “confirmed” it was “withdrawing” all charges against Vinnik.
Alexander Vinnik’s Release a ‘Significant and Unique Victory,’ Attorney Asserts
Vinnik was released in a prisoner exchange involving American teacher Marc Fogel. Bukh remarked:
“The judge has approved our request, and the case has been declassified. We reached an agreement with the prosecutor’s office. At the hearing, the prosecutor’s office consented to dismiss the charges. Our client now has a clean record in the United States.”
Alexander Vinnik addressing reporters in Russia shortly after his release last week. (Source: TASS/Screenshot)
The attorney also described the outcome as “a unique and rare situation,” adding: “We view this as a tremendous victory.”
Prosecutors allege that criminals utilized BTC-e as a platform for money laundering, primarily through Bitcoin (BTC) transactions.
Senior officials from the US and Russia are scheduled to meet next week in Saudi Arabia to facilitate a potential leaders’ summit aimed at discussing the resolution of the conflict in Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the situation https://t.co/Hppnd5CwsI
— Bloomberg (@business) February 15, 2025
Vinnik Now ‘Free to Travel to Europe if He Wishes,’ Attorney States
Related Posts
Vinnik was employed at BTC-e from 2011 to 2017. He was apprehended by Greek authorities while on vacation in the country in 2017 and was subsequently extradited to the US in August 2022.
US officials indicated that Vinnik managed money laundering operations valued between $4 billion and $9 billion.
However, Bukh celebrated Vinnik’s swift change in circumstances. The attorney stated that “if Vinnik desired to,” he was now free to travel “to Europe.”
Bukh noted that immigration authorities in Europe would not be able to deny Vinnik entry “on the basis that he was a defendant in an American court.”
“Under US law, an individual who has been exonerated of legal charges has the right to assert that they were never arrested. [It would be as if Vinnik] had never been charged with anything.”
Russian attorney Arkady Bukh
The American teacher Marc Vogel en route to a Russian airport last week. (Source: TASS/Screenshot)
Prisoner Exchange
Vinnik was returned to Russia on Thursday last week, just days after Vogel’s release. Russian authorities had detained Vogel on charges of drug smuggling.
The Kremlin was reported to have described the prisoner exchange as “a step towards enhancing mutual trust with Washington.”
The Russian Embassy in the US last year stated it had visited Vinnik in a California prison and was “working to secure” the release of the former cryptocurrency exchange executive.
The post Attorney Confirms US Has Dropped Vinnik Case, Client ‘Has a Clean Slate’ appeared first on Cryptonews.
