Alleged Bitcoin Launderer Faces Extradition Hearing Next Month
An alleged money laundered tied to the BTC-e bitcoin exchange and wanted by both Russia and the U.S. will attend an extradition hearing next month.
An alleged money launderer tied to the defunct BTC-e bitcoin exchange and wanted by both Russia and the U.S. will attend an extradition hearing next month.
The Dec. 6 hearing, The Associated Press reports, represents a delay intended to allow for two witnesses to attend the proceedings, a lawyer for Alexander Vinnik said. Vinnik was arrested in July and accused of laundering billions of dollars through BTC-e, which was also targeted by law enforcement officials.
The development represents the latest twist in a story that sparked global headlines in the wake of Vinnik's arrest. U.S. prosecutors had filed charges against both Vinnik and BTC-e, with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) handing down a $110 million fine against the cryptocurrency exchange.
Vinnik has since remained in Greece after local authorities acted on a U.S. arrest warrant. And while a Greek court initially backed the request to extradite him to face charges in the U.S., Vinnik is seeking to be sent to Russia instead.
As a result, both governments are pushing for their respective extradition requests to be granted, putting the decision in the hands of the Greek Supreme Court, as well as the Greek Justice Department.
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In statements, Vinnik has declared his innocence in regards to the U.S. charges, though he acknowledged that he worked for BTC-e. BTC-e – which has since relaunched after having its domain seized by law enforcement – has denied any involvement with Vinnik.
Court image via Shutterstock