Security News > 2021 > May > French Appeal Set for Convicted Russian Money Launderer
Russian Alexander Vinnik, jailed last year for money laundering, begins an appeal at a Paris court Tuesday, as prosecutors challenge his acquittal on charges that he masterminded massive ransomware attacks.
While a lower court in December sentenced him to five years in jail for money laundering, it acquitted Vinnik, 41, of 13 out of 14 charges of cyber piracy.
During his trial the prosecution described Vinnik as a "Pioneer" of cyber attacks and the mastermind of the Locky ransomware attacks.
Vinnik was cleared of these charges, but convicted of money laundering proceeds from the Locky malware, and ordered to pay a fine of 100,000 euros.
Frederic Belot, a lawyer for Vinnik, said his client was "Worried" but eager for the appeal to "Shed light on his innocence".
A US indictment accuses Vinnik of 21 charges ranging from identity theft and facilitating drug trafficking to money laundering.