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Vladislav Klyushin, through his ostensibly legitimate cybersecurity company M-13 in Moscow, secretly amassed over $93 million within three years by illicitly acquiring corporate earnings information before public release and using it for stock trading. His targets included prominent American firms like Skechers, Snapchat, and Roku.
Despite the FBI and U.S. prosecutors gathering substantial evidence against him, Klyushin, a Russian national residing in Russia, seemed untouchable due to the improbability of extradition by Russian authorities.
An undated image of Vladislav Klyushin, linked to a U.S. Department of Justice investigation, portrays him as a tech mogul with significant governmental connections.
U.S. Department of Justice | Via Reuters
The new CNBC original podcast series “The Crimes of Putin’s Trader,” narrated by CNBC’s senior Washington correspondent Eamon Javers, dives deep into the efforts to capture Klyushin. The series features discussions with FBI personnel, legal experts, and even a former Russian intelligence agent, exploring the extensive criminal operations and their implications for U.S. corporate and financial security.
The pivotal third episode of the podcast unveils Klyushin’s grave error that eventually allowed U.S. law enforcement to act. Despite his immense wealth, Klyushin’s extravagant spending on luxury items, including sports cars, high-end residences, and a $4 million yacht, was overshadowed by his fateful decision to travel.
U.S. Attorney Steven Frank commented to Javers, “The rapid wealth can lead to careless decisions. He wanted to enjoy his life and the wealth accrued through his crimes.”
In March 2021, Klyushin arranged a private jet to Switzerland followed by a helicopter ride to a skiing trip. Unbeknownst to him, this trip was closely monitored by U.S. authorities who coordinated with Swiss Federal Police to apprehend him upon his arrival.
The thrilling capture is detailed in the latest podcast episode, capturing the tense moments leading up to Klyushin’s arrest as he disembarked in Switzerland, oblivious to the impending consequences of his actions.
“Every second was crucial,” Frank noted. “It was a moment filled with suspense, wondering if our efforts would pay off.”
Tune in to “The Crimes of Putin’s Trader” to witness the dramatic unfolding of these events.
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