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Russian national Vinnik on his way to Russia via Türkiye after being released from US jail

14 February 2025 01:29 (UTC +04:00)

After being released from a US prison recently, Russian national Alexander Vinnik is now on his way to Russia via Türkiye, his lawyer Arkady Bukh told TASS, APA reports.

"We have received updated information on the whereabouts of our client, Mr. Vinnik. We have been told that our client arrived in Türkiye by plane and took another flight to Russia. He is expected to arrive at a Moscow-area airport in a few hours," he said. "Besides, we can confirm that a recent hearing on Mr. Vinnik’s case was held at a US federal court. However, the judge ruled to classify the files, so we cannot comment on the case or the proceedings," the lawyer added.

Bukh explained that Vinnik’s name "has been removed from the database of the correctional facility where he was kept." "When that happens, it usually means that an inmate has been handed over to US federal marshals. In this case, we know that the process involved an international handover. Notably, the transfer of persons under federal jurisdiction - both inside the US and during international extraditions and deportations - involves high security and secrecy. All the routes, flight plans and destinations are kept strictly secret. This is done to ensure the security of detainees and the law enforcement officers accompanying them," the lawyer added.