Russian detainee Alexander Vinnik reportedly poisoned in pre-trial custody
Russian citizen Alexander Vinnik, who was detained in the United States on suspicion of money laundering, allegedly attempted self-harm while held in a pre-trial detention facility. This information was conveyed by TASS, citing Ivan Melnikov, a deputy chairman of the Russian branch of the International Committee for the Defense of Human Rights.
According to Melnikov, Vinnik began to experience severe poisoning symptoms after consuming prison meals a few days earlier. He noted that the exact cause of the poisoning had not yet been determined and that Vinnik’s health remained fragile at the time of the report.
Melnikov added that Vinnik was served beans and fish on the day of the alleged poisoning, and medical attention was reportedly provided only after intervention by his lawyers. The human rights representative emphasized that Vinnik’s risk to health persisted because there were limitations in the provision of comprehensive medical care within the isolation ward, and the detainee has chronic medical conditions.
There was a stated hope from Melnikov that Vinnik’s preventive detention order might be relaxed or that a potential exchange could be arranged.
Alexander Vinnik was extradited from France to the United States in August 2022. He faces accusations of laundering between four and nine billion dollars through the now-defunct online cryptocurrency exchange VTS-e. He has previously received a prison sentence in France for money laundering. In Russia, Vinnik faces charges of theft and fraud related to information technology. Russia’s federal court began examining the case in December of the previous year.
Earlier reports indicated that Vinnik, who was arrested in the United States, might admit guilt.