Russian Arms Dealer Viktor Bout Allegedly Back in Weapons Trade

Viktor Bout, the infamous Russian arms dealer, has allegedly re-entered the international weapons trade, according to a recent Wall Street Journal report. This development comes less than two years after his release from U.S. custody in a high-profile prisoner exchange.

Born in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, in 1967, Bout has had a colorful and controversial career. Known for his linguistic prowess, speaking six languages fluently, he initially served in the Soviet military as a translator. His alleged return to arms dealing has raised concerns in international security circles.

According to unnamed sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, Bout reportedly met with Houthi emissaries in Moscow in August 2024. The purpose of this meeting was purportedly to negotiate the sale of $10 million worth of automatic weapons to the Iran-backed militant group in Yemen.

Bout's notoriety in the arms trade earned him the moniker "Sanctions Buster" for his alleged ability to circumvent international arms embargoes. His activities reportedly involved using a fleet of cargo planes to transport weapons to conflict zones across Africa, South America, and the Middle East.

The Russian arms dealer's career came to a halt in 2008 when he was arrested in Bangkok during a sting operation led by U.S. agents. The U.S. government had offered a $5 million bounty for his capture. Following a two-year legal battle, Bout was extradited to the United States in 2010.

In 2012, a Manhattan court convicted Bout and sentenced him to 25 years in prison. Throughout his incarceration, he maintained his innocence, while the Russian government repeatedly called for his release. His case became a point of contention, straining diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Russia.

Bout's release came on December 8, 2022, as part of a prisoner swap that included WNBA star Brittney Griner. The exchange took place at Abu Dhabi airport, marking the end of his time in a medium-security federal prison in Marion, Illinois.

Upon returning to Russia, Bout joined the Kremlin-loyal ultranationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR). He has since expressed interest in writing books and producing documentaries, while his wife, Alla, who campaigned for years for his release, has stood by his side.

The potential arms transfers to the Houthis, as reported by the Wall Street Journal, have not yet been delivered. The newspaper noted that these alleged deals do not involve advanced Russian anti-ship or anti-air missiles that could pose a significant threat to U.S. military efforts to protect international shipping from Houthi attacks.

Bout's life and alleged activities have captured public imagination, inspiring various forms of media. The 2005 film "Lord of War," starring Nicolas Cage as an arms dealer character loosely based on Bout, brought his story to mainstream audiences. Additionally, his case has been the subject of numerous books and documentaries, further cementing his notorious reputation.

As of now, the Kremlin and Russia's defense ministry have not responded to requests for comment on the Wall Street Journal's report. Steve Zissou, Bout's New York attorney, declined to discuss whether his client had met with the Houthis, and a Houthi spokesman also declined to comment.

The international community will likely watch closely for any developments in this situation, given Bout's history and the potential implications of his alleged return to the arms trade.

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