Thailand/US

“Merchant of Death” extradition hearing postponed again.

Article published on the 2008-07-28 Latest update 2008-07-28 11:09 TU

Viktor Bout, in Bangkok at his arrest.
(Photo : Reuters)

The Russian man dubbed the "Merchant of Death”, who is accused of being one of the world’s largest arms dealers, had his extradition hearing delayed for a second time on Monday. Viktor Bout would face terrorism charges in the United States if extradited, after a complex undercover operation that had him offer weapons to US officers posing as Colombian Farc guerrillas.

Bout, whose alleged crimes inspired the 2005 Hollywood film Lord of War, was arrested in Thailand in March. He is accused of supplying arms to the Taliban, Al Qaeda and to former Liberian dictator Charles Taylor during a career that started following the fall of the Soviet Union.

He has already had his case postponed once, and this time the hearing was pushed back until 22 September, because his lawyer was unable to attend proceedings.

He also faces charges of conspiracy to kill US officers and of conspiracy to acquire and use an anti-aircraft missile in the US. He was arrested after a year-long undercover operation. The indictment alleges that Bout used a fleet of cargo planes to transport weapons and military equipment bought from former Soviet republics to Africa, South America and the Middle East.

As a result of his connections with Liberia, Bout has been on a special US government list since 2004, which prohibits any transactions between a US citizen and himself.

The former Soviet air force officer denies all charges.