Russia, US, France vie for bitcoin fraud suspect Vinnik

THESSALONIKI, Greece – A panel of senior judges in Greece has accepted a new Russian extradition request for bitcoin fraud suspect Alexander Vinnik, further complicating an international legal battle surrounding the 38-year-old computer expert.

The court in the northern city of Thessaloniki ruled in favour of the Russian request Monday.

Vinnik is also sought for extradition by the United States and by France on more serious fraud charges. His fate is likely to be decided by Greece’s justice minister.

Vinnik is a Russian former bitcoin operator and was arrested in northern Greece last year on a U.S.-issued international arrest warrant.

In court Monday, he denied the allegations of fraud and told the panel of judges that he was committed to fighting U.S. dominance of the global financial system.