Russian Embassy Requests Information on Dmitry Vasiliev
The Russian Embassy in Washington has formally requested the U.S. State Department to share information regarding Dmitry Vasiliev, who previously held the position of CEO at the cryptocurrency exchange, WEX. According to TASS, the Russian state news agency, the embassy has indicated it is actively monitoring developments related to Vasiliev’s situation. Vasiliev was recently extradited from Poland following a request from U.S. law enforcement officials.
Consular Rights and Legal Support
In its official communication, the embassy insisted on the right for Russian consular representatives to visit Vasiliev in accordance with the provisions of the 1964 Bilateral Consular Convention.
WEX emerged as a successor to the infamous BTC-e exchange, which ceased trading in 2018, leaving many clients unable to withdraw their investments totaling nearly half a billion dollars. The embassy has stated that upon obtaining updates on Vasiliev, it will reach out to him to extend necessary consular and legal support.
Legal Challenges Ahead for Vasiliev
Vasiliev’s defense team recently informed Russian media that their client was deported by Polish authorities in 2024, a period during which he was reportedly sought by U.S. officials. Allegations against him include orchestrating an extensive fraud and money laundering operation. His lawyers noted that his extradition to the United States was linked to a criminal investigation involving Alexander Vinnik, a former executive of BTC-e.
Vinnik himself was arrested in Greece in 2017 and later extradited to the U.S. in August 2022 after being charged with laundering billions through the now-defunct exchange. Earlier this February, he returned to Russia following a prisoner swap, with all charges against him being dropped promptly afterward.
As for Vasiliev, his legal team has warned that he faces a significant legal battle ahead, with prosecutors leveling two serious counts against him that could result in a prison sentence of up to 25 years if convicted.
