The convicted #assassin who was the linchpin of the biggest prisoner swap in decades is a member of the most powerful #security agency in #Russia, the #Kremlin acknowledged Fri, & had served in a special unit w/some agents who now guard #Putin.

The ties help explain Putin’s determination to free the assassin, Vadim #Krasikov, from the #Germany prison where he was serving time for #murder.

#MafiaState #geopolitics #law #Security