Russia-US Prisoner Swap Frees American Teacher and Bitcoin Launderer

Alexander Vinnik, a Russian cybercriminal, and Marc Fogel, an American teacher jailed in Russia, were exchanged as part of a deal that may signal diplomatic efforts to end the Ukraine war.

Alexander Vinnik, a Russian national who pleaded guilty to laundering billions through the BTC-e cryptocurrency exchange, returned to Moscow after his release from U.S. custody in a prisoner swap.
The United States secured the release of Marc Fogel, an American teacher sentenced to 14 years in Russia for possessing medical marijuana, as part of the exchange.
President Trump described the exchange as a potential step toward improved relations with Russia and progress in resolving the Ukraine conflict.
Vinnik, who faced up to 20 years in U.S. prison, had been extradited from Greece and France before reaching the United States in 2022 to face charges related to BTC-e's criminal activities.
The swap underscores ongoing diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Russia, with officials framing it as a gesture of goodwill amid broader negotiations.