What’s the going rate for a Bitcoin mogul these days? One American schoolteacher.
Marc Fogel, who’d been stuck in a Russian prison for carrying medical marijuana, is finally home.
But his ticket to freedom? Alexander Vinnik—aka the “Bitcoin Laundromat King.”
This guy allegedly washed billions in dirty crypto cash through his exchange, BTC-e.
Think of cybercriminals, ransomware hackers, and corrupt officials all having a pool party—funded by Vinnik’s operation.
The US had him locked up, eyeing a 20-year sentence.
Now? He’s heading back to Moscow, free as a bird.
The White House Confirmed The Swap
The White House confirmed the swap, though neither side is exactly bragging.
Trump chimed in (because, of course), teasing that more releases could be on the horizon.
Meanwhile, over in Belarus—Russia’s loyal sidekick—three detainees were freed, including journalist Andrey Kuznechyk. Officially, it’s a “gesture of goodwill.”
Unofficially? Lukashenko, Belarus’s leader, might just be buttering up Trump.
As hostage negotiator Adam Boehler put it, “No deal, just good vibes.” Right.
