New Extradition Request Complicates Case of Bitcoin Fraud Suspect Alexander Vinnik

A Greek court has accepted a Russian request to extradite Bitcoin (BTC) fraud suspect Alexander Vinnik, complicating subsequent international litigation, the Associated Press reported July 30.

A panel of senior judges in the city of Thessaloniki ruled in favor of a new extradition request from Russia for the accused computer expert. At a hearing on Monday, Vinnik reportedly denied allegations of fraudulent activity and said that he was fighting U.S. dominance in the global financial system. The court’s decision complicates the case as the U.S. and France seek his extradition as well.

Vinnik, who is a former owner of crypto exchange BTC-e, was arrested by Greek police in July 2017 under the order of the U.S. Department of Justice. Authorities accused him of fraud and laundering as much as $4 billion in Bitcoin over the course of six years.

On July 13, a Greek court “granted France’s request for Vinnik’s extradition,” which could lead to further extradition to the U.S….