Trump Negotiates Prisoner Exchange, Sending Vinnik to Russia for Fogel
President Trump facilitated a prisoner exchange, swapping BTC-e founder Alexander Vinnik for American teacher Marc Fogel. The deal was primarily to secure Fogel's release rather than support the crypto industry.
- Vinnik, arrested in 2017, founded BTC-e, a major crypto exchange that was shut down for money laundering allegations.
- Reports confirm Vinnik will remain in Russian custody after being sent back as part of the exchange.
- Fogel was sentenced to 14 years in Russia for marijuana possession and has returned to the US.
- The White House stated the exchange was fair, emphasizing priorities on Fogel’s release over Vinnik’s situation.
- Vinnik's legal issues have spanned multiple countries, with new charges leading to a guilty plea in 2024.
- Despite speculations about Trump's crypto support, this case differs from his pardon of Ross Ulbricht.
- Vinnik admitted involvement in cyber fraud linked to BTC-e, resulting in damages of $14.6 million.
Fogel has publicly thanked Trump after returning home, while Vinnik awaits transfer procedures to Russia.