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In the ongoing saga of global cryptocurrency controversies, Alexei Vinnik, the co-founder of the contentious digital coin platform BTC-e, is embarking on an unconventional path to secure his freedom—an ambitious prisoner exchange deal. This captivating tale, brought to light by The Global Business Times on May 24, follows Vinnik's legal team's efforts to modify a protective order on his case, making him eligible for a potential swap between Russia and the United States. The proposed deal could pave the way for the release of Wall Street Journal journalist Evan Gershkovich, who is currently incarcerated.
Insiders familiar with the intricacies of prisoner swaps suggest that a robust public support campaign is crucial to "significantly enhance the prospects of such a trade," as stated by Rizk. Vinnik's plea for a prisoner exchange resurfaces at a time when the United States is increasing pressure on Russia to secure the swift liberation of Gershkovich. The journalist's detention period was recently extended until August 30.
Gershkovich found himself on the wrong side of Russian law enforcement in March, facing accusations of espionage. His arrest represents a remarkable incident, reminiscent of the Cold War era, involving a U.S. reporter apprehended on spying charges. Since September of the previous year, Vinnik's legal representatives have been advocating for his inclusion in a prisoner exchange, offering one of the several U.S. citizens currently incarcerated in Russia in return.
In a historic event on December 9, 2022, the United States agreed to release the notorious Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout, commonly referred to as the "merchant of death," in exchange for the freedom of American WNBA basketball player Brittney Griner. Griner had been sentenced to over nine years in a Russian prison for attempting to smuggle cannabis oil into the country.
Maintaining his innocence, Vinnik vehemently denies all 21 charges against him, asserting his limited control over BTC-e's day-to-day operations.
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