Russian citizen Alexander Vinnik, who was arrested in the USA on suspicion of money laundering, poisoned himself in the pre-trial detention center. This was reported by TASS referring to Ivan Melnikov, deputy chairman of the Russian branch of the International Committee for the Defense of Human Rights.
“After eating prison food the other day, Vinnik felt symptoms of severe poisoning. <…> The cause of the poisoning has not yet been determined; Vinnik still doesn’t feel well,” Melnikov told reporters.
According to the human rights activist, the Russian was given beans and fish on the day of the poisoning, and when symptoms appeared, the man was provided with medical assistance only after the intervention of his lawyers. Melnikov noted that Vinnik’s health was still under threat because full medical care was not provided in the isolation ward and the man had chronic diseases.
Melnikov expressed hope that Vinnik’s preventive measure would be relaxed or he would agree to a trade.
Alexander Vinnik was extradited from France to the United States in August 2022. He is accused of laundering between $4 billion and $9 billion through the now-defunct online cryptocurrency exchange VTS-e. He was previously sentenced to prison in France for money laundering. In Russia, Vinnik is accused of theft and fraud in the field of computer information. Russia’s federal court began considering his case in December last year.
Previously reportedIt was stated that Russian Vinnik, who was arrested in the USA, may admit his guilt.