After months of being detained in Greece, schoolteacher Marc Fogel has finally returned to the United States on February 11th. This comes as part of a deal made with Russian authorities, which is said to also include the release of Alexander Vinnik.

Fogel, a 54-year-old American citizen, was arrested in Greece in July 2020 on charges of money laundering and fraud. He was accused of being involved in a cryptocurrency exchange that was allegedly used to launder billions of dollars for criminal organizations. Fogel has denied these accusations and has been fighting for his release ever since.

The deal with Russian authorities was brokered by Fogel’s legal team and is seen as a major breakthrough in his case. Fogel’s lawyer, George Kazoleas, stated that the agreement includes the release of Alexander Vinnik, a Russian national who has been detained in Greece since 2017 on charges of money laundering and cybercrime.

Vinnik’s case has been closely linked to Fogel’s, as both men were arrested in Greece and are facing similar charges. Vinnik’s lawyer, Zoe Konstantopoulou, has also confirmed the deal and expressed her relief at the news of her client’s potential release.

The release of Vinnik and Fogel is seen as a positive development in the ongoing legal battle surrounding cryptocurrency exchanges and their involvement in money laundering and other illegal activities. It also highlights the growing cooperation between international authorities in tackling these issues.

Fogel’s return to the US marks the end of a long and difficult journey for him and his family. They have been tirelessly advocating for his release and are relieved to finally have him back on American soil. As for Vinnik, his fate will now be decided by the Greek courts, but the possibility of his release is a glimmer of hope for him and his loved ones.

This case serves as a reminder of the risks and challenges that come with the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency. It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing these issues and ensuring the safety and security of the global financial system.