Free Artem Vaulin: Ira Rothken Asks US To Drop Charges And Release Kickass Torrents Ringleader ASAP Kickass Torrents purported ringleader Artem Vaulin is still in prison, but his lawyers are pushing for his release. Led by Ira Rothken, the defense urges the U.S. DOJ to dismiss the criminal complaint against Vaulin and free him as soon as possible. by Alexandra Burlacu