Suspected Russian arms smuggler Viktor Bout is led off a car by armed Thai police commandos as he arrives at the criminal court in Bangkok, Thailand, Oct. 5, 2010.(Credit: AP) This story was filed by CBS News investigative producer Pat Milton.
Suspected Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout is on his way from Thailand to the United States Tuesday to face terrorism related charges after Thai officials agreed to the extradition request by U.S. authorities, ending a two year tug of war between Washington and Moscow, sources tell CBS News.
Bout, dubbed "the merchant of death," was brought from prison to a Thai airport under heavy police guard, including sniper teams, and led onto a U.S. charter jet accompanied by officials from the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Bout, 43, portrayed in the movie "Lord of War" by actor Nicholas Cage, was arrested more than two years ago in Bangkok during a DEA-led sting operation at a luxury hotel.
A former Soviet military officer, Bout is suspected of being one of the world's most prolific weapons dealers, selling arms to various dictators and rebels, and in doing so, fueling bloody conflicts in Africa, South America and the Middle East. Bout claims he ran a legitimate air transport business and denies the charges against him.
He is under indictment on terrorism related charges in the U.S.
In August, a Thai court ruled that Bout could be extradited to the United States. Tuesday, the Thai cabinet and Thai Prime Minister agreed to the extradition, clearing the final legal hurdle just days before Bout's extradition order was set to expire.
Russia's government pressured Thai officials to deny the U.S. extradition request for years as the U.S. government lobbied to see Bout face justice on American soil.
Tags:arms dealer ,arms ,russia ,viktor bout ,extradition ,merchant of death ,thailand ,soviet Topics:News
