US files new charges against Russian arms dealer suspect held in Thailand
By APWednesday, February 17, 2010
US files new charges against arms dealer suspect
WASHINGTON — Federal prosecutors have filed new charges against an accused Russian arms dealer and his American associate.
The updated indictment against Viktor Bout, once dubbed the “Merchant of Death,” follows a Thai court’s decision last year to reject a United States request for Bout’s extradition. He was arrested in 2008 at a Bangkok luxury hotel.
The new indictment charges that he and Richard Chichakli (cheh-CHAHK’-lee), a U.S. citizen, conspired to violate sanctions aimed at stopping the flow of weapons to armed conflicts in Africa. They are also charged with money laundering and wire fraud. Chichakli’s whereabouts are unknown.
Bout has repeatedly denied the accusations. He has been linked to some of the world’s most notorious conflicts.
