An unusual event has shocked the world of sports.
Russian basketball player Danil Kasatkin, who plays as a point guard for Moscow's MBA-MAI team, has been arrested in France and faces up to 25 years in prison after being accused of involvement in a series of cyberattacks against the United States.
According to the Russian news agency RIA Novosti, Kasatkin, 26, is suspected of being involved in a network of Russian hackers that committed fraud against about 900 American companies, including two federal institutions, during the period 2020–2022.
However, the player denies any connection to this group and claims that his computer was hacked, being used by the real perpetrators to commit the crimes under his name.
Kasatkin was stopped on June 21 at Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport, having just landed in the French capital, where he had planned to propose to his girlfriend.
The arrest was carried out at the request of American authorities, who immediately requested his extradition.
The French court approved the United States' extradition request this Wednesday, but the decision can be appealed within ten days.
The French Prime Minister will have the final say on his surrender.
Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry and the Russian Basketball Federation have initiated contacts with French authorities to assist the player and seek clarity on the allegations.
If convicted, Kasatkin could face a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison, in a case that has taken on international proportions and opened a debate on cybersecurity and the involvement of Russian citizens in attacks of this type.
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