"Vinatier, 49, was sentenced to three years in a Russian prison in October 2024 for failing to register as a foreign agent. The FSB claimed he collected "military and military-technical information" during his time in Russia."
""He bought a used computer. He did absolutely nothing wrong. He's shocked. "He's useless with computers. He can't even install an app. He didn't touch anything on this computer. It was either hacked, or sold to him by a hacker who wanted to pass himself off as someone else.""
""Our compatriot Laurent Vinatier is free and back in France. I share the relief of his family and loved ones. My gratitude to our diplomatic agents for their mobilization.""
France released an alleged ransomware facilitator wanted by the United States in exchange for Laurent Vinatier. Vladimir Putin pardoned Vinatier, 49, who had been serving a three-year prison sentence after being convicted in October 2024 for failing to register as a foreign agent. Russian authorities said he collected "military and military-technical information" while in Russia. Vinatier worked as a consultant for the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue and specialized in communication between states involved in the Ukraine war. France held basketball player Daniil Kasatkin since June 2025 at the request of US authorities seeking extradition. Kasatkin faced accusations of aiding ransomware negotiations with around 900 victims, including two US federal departments, and denied the charges.
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