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Southeast Asia
Thailand Investigates Viktor Bout
2008-03-08
Thailand says it is investigating an alleged Russian arms dealer, known as the "Merchant of Death," as his lawyer in Moscow and U.S. authorities struggle over his future fate.

Federal prosecutors in New York want Thailand to deport Viktor Bout to the United States where he is accused of trying to sell weapons to a leftist rebel group in Colombia. But, Bout's lawyer, Viktor Burobin, says his client should be returned to Russia. Speaking Friday, in Moscow, Burobin called Bout's arrest Thursday at a luxury hotel in Bangkok "unacceptable" and "deceptive."
Only reason I can think of to ship him back to Russia would be if he had diplomatic immunity and was declared PNG. If so, then Russia would have quite a bit to answer for, wouldn't they?
Thai authorities say they have yet to decide if Bout will first face trial in their country on charges of giving weapons and financial support to terrorists. Bout could face up to 10 years in a Thai prison if convicted. Federal prosecutors in New York have charged him with conspiring to provide material support to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

The 41-year-old ex-Soviet air force officer has been accused of trafficking weapons to war-torn countries, especially in Central and West Africa. One of his alleged clients was former Liberian President Charles Taylor, who is now on trial for war crimes. Bout also was suspected of selling arms to Islamic extremists in Afghanistan and elsewhere. Bout has been investigated in several countries, but has never been prosecuted.
Posted by:Fred

#4  now that he's jugged, he's known as the "Discount Retailer of Death", soon to be the "$1.99 Store of Death"
Posted by: Frank G   2008-03-08 15:47  

#3  That high-pitched noise you may have heard (but couldnÂ’t quite identify) the other night was the collective sphincter–pucker of lever-pullers from around globe upon hearing of ViktorÂ’sÂ’ “detention”. There are reasons Boris hasnÂ’t seen the inside of a cell during his entire career. First, simply said are connections in very high places. Funny thing how enormous wealth gets you access to those types of people. Next thing to consider is that this is a guy that knows how to collect the right kind of dirt. The KGB made an art form just out of unflattering photos of drunken parties in Baltic piss-bars. You can imagine what kinds of little ditties this guy has squirreled away. And of course, if he was to drop dime on some those pesky little proxie-wars it could get embarrassed. Check out the callous toad HugoÂ’s actions in the last week. (IÂ’m not sayinÂ’Â…IÂ’m just sayin.) And the most important reason is he is just too damn valuable. Bout the man may be currently in the jug however Bout the organization hasnÂ’t been grounded yet. Chances are the plans are already in the works for another belly-buck into next hot-spot. Expect Viktor to be a vapor very soon.
Posted by: DepotGuy   2008-03-08 15:06  

#2  known as the "Merchant of Death,"

Really? For how long has he had this moniker? Since his arrest?
Posted by: john frum   2008-03-08 13:07  

#1  Bout is a curiouser's curiouser.
Posted by: RD   2008-03-08 04:23  

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