A Trump administration official confirmed on Wednesday that the United States released Alexander Vinnik as part of a prisoner exchange to secure the freedom of Marc Fogel.
Fogel, an American teacher detained in Russia since 2021, returned to the U.S. late last night.
Vinnik’s arrest occurred in Greece in 2017 at the request of the U.S. on cryptocurrency fraud charges. He was later extradited to the United States and pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit money laundering last year.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated earlier that the Russian prisoner’s identity would be revealed upon his return.
“Recently, intensified efforts through relevant agencies and subsequent contacts resulted in Fogel’s release, along with a Russian citizen held in the U.S.,” Peskov said in a press briefing, according to the Associated Press. “This Russian citizen will be returned to Russia in the coming days.”
The State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Fogel, a history teacher from Pennsylvania, had been serving a 14-year sentence following his August 2021 arrest at a Russian airport for possessing what his family and supporters claim was medically prescribed marijuana.
His sister, Anne Fogel, told “Fox & Friends” she felt immense relief at his release, expressing gratitude to President Trump.
She noted the toll her brother’s situation took on the family and expressed happiness about his safe return and access to medical care.
Upon his arrival, Fogel met President Trump at the White House, crediting him as a hero for securing his release, while also acknowledging the efforts of diplomatic personnel, senators, and representatives.
When asked about concessions made in the exchange, President Trump responded vaguely, stating “not much.”
’ Pat Ward, Landon Mion and