Daniil Kasatkine, a Russian basketball player, was apprehended at Roissy-Charles-de-Gaulle Airport on June 21st of last year. His arrest was initiated at the request of the United States, which suspected him of being part of a hacker network involved in deploying ransomware against American businesses and federal agencies. Despite appeals for his release, including offers of accommodation and bail, the appellate court ordered his continued detention. Later, on October 29th, the Paris Court of Appeal approved the US government’s extradition request for Kasatkine. However, on January 8th, the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) announced Kasatkine’s exchange for Laurent Vinatier, a French national convicted of espionage in Russia.
Upon his return to Russia, Kasatkine signed with the Enisey Krasnoyarsk club. He subsequently participated in the VTB United League playoffs against CSKA Moscow, where his team was defeated three games to none. During the season, Kasatkine averaged 5.4 points and 1.8 rebounds. Speaking to the TASS agency about his comeback to competitive play, he stated:
“I feel good, I am healthy, that’s the most important thing. Of course, everything is a bit shaken up by the current situation. But I am working hard, both individually and with my physical trainer. I think compared to when I arrived – even though I had a good first game, it was mostly due to enthusiasm and adrenaline – I feel much better physically now. But since the season was so disrupted, I can’t say I’m at the peak of my form.”
Daniil Kasatkine also described the challenges he faced in maintaining his physical condition while incarcerated:
“They let me out once a week… There was a small grassy area with some horizontal bars. But it was only once a week, and it was certainly insufficient. The rest of the time, in my cell, I tried my best to maintain my physical shape. But, obviously, it was difficult. I think anyone would eventually let themselves go after eight months without touching a basketball, without access to weight training equipment, etc. I think so too, yes, I let myself go. But at my age, it’s not fatal. It’s something I can catch up on, and that’s what I’m working on right now.”