New Zealand Seizes $90 Million in Assets of Russian Cybercrime Suspect

Alexander Vinnik, a 38 year old Russian man suspected of running a money laundering operation using bitcoin, is escorted by police officers to a court in Thessaloniki, Greece, on Oct. 4, 2017. Alexandros Avramidis/Reuters, File Photo

WELLINGTON—New Zealand police has seized assets worth NZ$140 million ($90.68 million) linked to a Russian man suspected of laundering billions of dollars in digital currency.

The police said it seized the assets because they were being held in a New Zealand company owned by Alexander Vinnik, who is accused of masterminding a bitcoin laundering ring and is wanted by both France and the United States.