Bout faces extradition
13 / 03 / 2008
THE United States is calling for the extradition of suspected Russian arms dealer and air cargo criminal, Viktor Bout, from a Thai jail.
Bout was arrested in Bangkok last week in a joint police operation led by the US. He was wanted on charges of illegal weapons deals with militant groups, including the Taliban and Al-Qaeda, in the Middle East and African countries.
Bout could receive up to 15 years in jail if extradited and convicted in the US.
UN reports say Bout set up a network of more than 50 cargo aircraft around the world to facilitate his arms shipments.
