First hearing of BTC-e operator Vinnik

Alexander Vinnik, who was involved in the shops surrounding the July crypto exchange BTC-e, had his first hearing on Friday in Athens.

Before a Greek court, the Russian citizen had to be responsible for the allegations against him. After his arrest in July, these money laundering, computer hacking and smuggling. Vinnik had been imposed at the instigation of the US government, the Crypto Exchange BTC-e had been closed.

One of the key questions that had to be decided at his first hearing on Friday was the place where Vinnik will absolutely be responsible. So far, he has refused to be extradited to the US. In an interview in September, Vinnik had still declared media-effective that he was not aware of any guilt and could not explain why he was being held. He also learned of the accusations raised against him in retrospect.

In addition to the US also rises Russia's allegations against Vinnik. Having previously questioned the legalism with which a Russian citizen could have been condemned before an American court. However, he now seems to have agreed with an extension to Russia. It is considered that a number of hearings will still be needed before the final clarification of the framework conditions of the trial.

Alexander Vinnik was arrested in Greece on 25 July after BTC-e was shut down by the US law enforcement agency. The Russian stock market, as well as Vinnik, is accused of being involved in money laundering activities. Meanwhile the crypto-exchange is online again under the new name WEX, while Vinnik is still being held.

Source : http://www.currency-echo.com