French court detained Vinnik in custody

The team of lawyers for Russian Alexander Vinnik failed to appeal the French court’s decision ondetention.

Human rights activists for Russian IT specialist Alexander Vinnik, accused of theft and money laundering, were unable to convince the French court to release the suspect.  

Extradited to France on January 23, a Russian suspected of cyber fraud will remain in custody by decision of the Paris Court of Appeal.

In rejecting the appeal, the court motivated its decisionfears of the possibility of destruction of evidence and collusion with their accomplices. Vinnik's lawyers said they will challenge the decision and are preparing a new appeal. In addition, they appealed to the UN with accusations of violation of the rights of their client by courts in European countries. 

The Russian Embassy also supports Russian human rights activists. Recently, the Prosecutor General’s Office sent the French side a request to transfer Alexander Vinnik to his homeland and a note of protest regarding Vinnik’s case.

Having not yet received an answer to his demands, the Foreign Ministry assured that he would continue to seek extradition of Vinnik to Russia.