BTC-e operator to be released as part of US-Russia prisoner swap: WSJ

Alexander Vinnik, the former operator of crypto exchange BTC-e who pleaded guilty to money laundering in 2024, will reportedly be freed as part of a deal between the US and Russian governments.

According to a Feb. 12 Wall Street Journal report, US authorities will surrender Vinnik as part of a deal in which schoolteacher Marc Fogel was released from Russian custody. The BTC-e operator pleaded guilty to money laundering conspiracy charges in May 2024, which involved him illegally moving funds through BTC-e, resulting in roughly $121 million in losses.

Fogel, who had been teaching at the Anglo-American School of Moscow, had been in Russian custody since 2021 after being arrested for illegal possession of cannabis at the airport. He returned to the US on Feb. 11 after his release. 

Officials will reportedly release another Russian national, but it’s unclear at the time of publication whether any additional US citizens will also be repatriated. Several US nationals remain in Russia, facing various criminal charges.

This is a developing story, and further information will be added as it becomes available.

Explore new destinations with ease using the Garmin Drive 52 GPS Navigator! With over 17,988 ratings and a solid 4.4/5-star rating, this GPS system has been a top choice for travelers. Over 500+ units were bought in the past month, all for only $144.99.

This 5″ GPS navigator comes with essential driver alerts, real-time travel data, and external memory storage. The simple on-screen menus and bright, easy-to-see maps make it easy to navigate wherever you are. Plus, it’s road trip-ready with The HISTORY Channel database, featuring notable historic sites and much more to enhance your journey.

Don’t miss out—get your hands on the Garmin Drive 52 today for a smoother ride ahead! Buy Now for $144.99 on Amazon!

Help Power Techcratic’s Future – Scan To Support

If Techcratic’s content and insights have helped you, consider giving back by supporting the platform with crypto. Every contribution makes a difference, whether it’s for high-quality content, server maintenance, or future updates. Techcratic is constantly evolving, and your support helps drive that progress.

As a solo operator who wears all the hats, creating content, managing the tech, and running the site, your support allows me to stay focused on delivering valuable resources. Your support keeps everything running smoothly and enables me to continue creating the content you love. I’m deeply grateful for your support, it truly means the world to me! Thank you!