Who is Vadim Krasikov? Paul Whelan not freed as Russia demands release of convicted assassin imprisoned in Germany
MORDOVIA REPUBLIC, RUSSIA: While WNBA star Britney Griner is back in the US, former Marine, Paul Whelan continues to serve his time in the Russian prison for the past four years. The high-level prisoner exchange on December 8, saw the release of Britney Grinner, 32, for notorious Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, 55. However, it is reported that Paul Whelan, 52, wasn't freed because Russia demanded the release of killer spy Vadim Krasikov, 56, who’s imprisoned for life in Germany to be included in the deal.
Russia was willing to trade Griner for Bout because it considers both of them criminals, The New York Times said Friday, citing unidentified US officials. Eventually, Russia claims that Whelan who is convicted of 16 years in prison on a baseless espionage charge would only be exchanged for a Russian counterpart or someone of similar stature. The US claims the allegations against Whelan are bogus. 52-year-old corporate security executive from Michigan was arrested in 2018 while in Moscow to attend a friend’s wedding.
