Greece considers extradition of bitcoin fraud suspect wanted by U.S. and Russia
Source: Reuters
#WORLD NEWS SEPTEMBER 29, 2017 / 3:47 AM / UPDATED 23 MINUTES AGO
Greece considers extradition of bitcoin fraud suspect wanted by U.S. and Russia
Reuters Staff
2 MIN READ
ATHENS (Reuters) - A Russian cybercrime suspect told Greek judges on Friday he had nothing to do with allegations of masterminding a money-laundering operation using bitcoin.
Alexander Vinnik was speaking to a hearing considering his extradition to the United States. He was arrested on a U.S. warrant in a hotel in northern Greece in late July and Russia has since also requested he be sent home on fraud charges.
The U.S. Justice Department says Vinnik facilitated crimes since 2011 including computer hacking, fraud and drug trafficking by laundering at least $4 billion through BTC-e, an exchange used to trade bitcoin and other digital currencies.
Vinnik, who was escorted handcuffed through the back door of a Thessaloniki court, denies any wrongdoing. If extradited to the United States, he faces up to 55 years in prison.
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http://www.reuters.com/article/us-greece-russia-cyber/greece-considers-extradition-of-bitcoin-fraud-suspect-wanted-by-u-s-and-russia-idUSKCN1C40UI