Criminal Auction Alexander Vinnik Could Be A Detained Exchange Part Of The Britney Griner In Russia

JAKARTA - The criminal mastermind Alexander Vinnikis accused of laundering money worth more than US$4 billion in bitcoin fraud could be the key to Britney Griner's release.

WNBA star Griner is jailed in Moscow after being found guilty of possession of marijuana. Griner said he had no intention of violating the law.

Vinnik, on the other hand, is currently being held by US authorities for its role in bitcoin fraud. However, his lawyer has instructed Russian authorities to start negotiations with the US regarding the exchange of detainees.

After being arrested in Greece at US request in 2017, Vinnik became the subject of various Russian approaches to try to free him.

Vinnik faces a maximum sentence of 55 years in prison in North America, where his lawyer claims the sentence will be the same as a lifetime for someone the age of Vinnik.

The US itself did not succeed in their approach to trying and free Griner and former Marine Paul Whelan from Russia's detention. However, it is possible that negotiations relating to Vinnik could pave diplomatic roads well.