US Release Russian Hacker Captured in Maldives in 2014

Roman Seleznev, a Russian hacker arrested in the Maldives in 2014, has been released by the United States. 

Seleznev’s release is part of a significant prisoner exchange involving the US, Russia, Germany, and other Western countries, described as the largest prisoner swap between the parties since the Cold War.

advertisement

Seleznev, the son of a Russian parliamentarian, was apprehended in July 2014 at Malé International Airport by United States Secret Service agents. The arrest occurred just before he was due to board a flight to Moscow after a holiday in the Maldives. 

The Maldives government stated at the time that it had followed due process in expelling Seleznev in response to an Interpol red notice. However, the incident sparked controversy, with Russia labelling the arrest a “kidnapping” and criticising the Maldivian authorities’ actions.

Seleznev’s lawyers argued that the manner of his arrest amounted to kidnapping, as he was not detained by Maldivian police, presented with a court warrant, or brought before a judge before being extradited. 

Current Prosecutor General Hussain Shameem provided expert testimony in US federal court in 2015, stating that the arrest was against Maldivian law. Despite these concerns, the US court ruled that his arrest and extradition were legal. 

Seleznev was known as a notorious carder and hacker, accused of hacking into US businesses and selling sensitive information.

According to Al Jazeera, the prisoner swap this week saw Russia release Wall Street journalist Evan Gershkovich, while the US released alleged FSB hitman Vadim Krasikov. The exchange marks a significant development in international relations amidst ongoing tensions over the Russia-Ukraine War.