Vladislav Klyushin, through his seemingly legitimate cybersecurity firm M-13 in Moscow, secretly amassed more than $93 million over three years by illicitly acquiring corporate earnings information before it was publicly disclosed and using it to trade stocks. His targets included major American companies such as Skechers, Snapchat, and Roku.
Although the FBI and U.S. prosecutors had gathered substantial evidence against him, Klyushin, a Russian citizen residing in Russia, appeared untouchable because of the unlikelihood of extradition by Russian authorities.
An undated image of Vladislav Klyushin, linked to a U.S. Department of Justice investigation, depicts him as a tech mogul with prominent government ties.
U.S. Department of Justice | Via Reuters
CNBC’s new original podcast series “The Crimes of Putin’s Trader,” narrated by CNBC’s senior Washington correspondent Eamon Javers, delves into the efforts to capture Klyushin. The series features discussions with FBI personnel, legal experts, and even a former Russian intelligence officer, exploring the vast criminal operations and their implications for U.S. corporate and financial security.
The third pivotal episode of the podcast reveals Klyushin’s grave mistake that ultimately allowed U.S. law enforcement to act. Despite his immense wealth, Klyushin’s extravagant spending on luxury items, including sports cars, luxury homes, and a $4 million yacht, was overshadowed by his fateful decision to travel.
U.S. Attorney Steven Frank told Javers, “Quick wealth can lead to reckless decisions. He wanted to enjoy life and the wealth he had accumulated through his crimes.”
In March 2021, Klyushin arranged a private jet to Switzerland followed by a helicopter ride for a skiing trip. Unbeknownst to him, this trip was closely monitored by U.S. authorities who coordinated with the Swiss Federal Police to arrest him upon arrival.
The emotional capture is detailed in the latest episode of the podcast, which captures the tense moments that preceded Klyushin’s arrest as he landed in Switzerland, unaware of the impending consequences of his actions.
“Every second was crucial,” Frank noted. “It was a moment of suspense, wondering if our efforts would pay off.”
Tune into “Putin’s Trader Crimes” to watch these dramatic events unfold.
