NEWS The United States has agreed to release Alexander Vinnik, co-founder of the BTC-e cryptocurrency exchange, as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia.

The United States has agreed to release Alexander Vinnik, co-founder of the BTC-e cryptocurrency exchange, as part of a prisoner exchange with Russia. This decision follows the release of American teacher Marc Fogel, who had been detained in Russia.

Vinnik was arrested in 2017 on charges of laundering between $4 billion and $9 billion through BTC-e from 2011 to 2017. In May 2024, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering and faced a potential 20-year prison sentence.

The exchange was facilitated by negotiations between U.S. and Russian officials. President Donald Trump expressed gratitude to Russian President Vladimir Putin for Fogel's release, viewing the agreement as a potential step toward resolving the conflict in Ukraine.

Following his release, Fogel thanked his country for its efforts and acknowledged President Putin's role in his pardon. He has since returned home and met with President Trump.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that the exchange resulted from intensified contacts between Russia and the United States, including at the level of relevant agencies of both countries.

Vinnik's attorney, Arkady Bukh, emphasized that while Vinnik remains in the U.S., efforts to advocate for his interests continue within the legal framework.

This exchange is seen as a significant development in U.S.-Russia relations and may pave the way for further diplomatic engagements.