Thai Court Clears Way to Extradite Alleged Arms Dealer to US
A court in Thailand has dismissed charges against an alleged arms dealer, clearing a legal technicality that was preventing the 43-year-old Russian citizen’s extradition to the United States.
The U.S. government wants to try Viktor Bout, known as the “Merchant of Death,” on a variety of criminal charges. But there is push back from the the Russian government, which says he is an innocent businessman.
In August, an appeals court ruled that Bout should be sent to the United States to face charges including supporting terrorists and conspiring to kill Americans. But a second case against Bout for money laundering and wire fraud required him to remain in Thailand while the case was heard.
