French researcher Laurent Vinatier has returned to France following his release from a three-year prison sentence in Russia as part of a high-profile prisoner exchange. The deal involved the release of Russian basketball player Daniil Kasatkin, who had been detained in Paris and was wanted by American authorities for alleged cybercrime.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed Vinatier's arrival on social media, expressing deep relief for the researcher’s family and praising the efforts of French diplomats. The release was made possible after President Vladimir Putin issued a formal pardon, following a public inquiry into the case during a recent press conference.
Vinatier was originally detained at a Moscow restaurant in mid-2024 and later convicted of failing to register as a foreign agent under Russian law. During his imprisonment, the situation grew more complex as authorities launched additional investigations into potential espionage charges.
The Russian security services claimed that Vinatier was collecting sensitive military and political data on behalf of Swiss intelligence. They specifically alleged that he sought information regarding combat plans and military training that could compromise national security.
Despite these serious accusations and the threat of a secondary trial, Russian officials stated that the espionage case was ultimately dismissed due to what they described as the researcher's active repentance. This legal resolution paved the way for the swap that sent Kasatkin back to Russia in exchange for Vinatier’s freedom.
Source: Russia Frees French Researcher In Prisoner Swap For Alleged Ransomware Hacker