October 11th, 2011
01:02 AM ET

'Merchant of death' trial to open in New York

After evading international authorities for nearly two decades, alleged international arms and drug smuggler Viktor Bout, widely dubbed the "merchant of death" by his accusers, will go on trial in New York Tuesday.

The Russian businessman is charged with a wide range of counts, including conspiracy to kill Americans, attempting to sell arms to undercover federal agents, wire fraud and violating U.N. Security Council sanctions. Bout pleaded not guilty to all charges last year.

"I'm very confident that the trial will make it transparent that Viktor Bout did not intend to sell arms to anyone," Bout's lawyer, Albert Y. Dayan, said during pretrial hearings.

International security experts say that the charges encompass only a small fraction of what they believe Bout is responsible for.

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Filed under: Courts • Crime • Justice • U.S. • Viktor Bout • World
soundoff (6 Responses)
  1. gung hoe

    For gods sake jeff let me be 1st

    October 11, 2011 at 2:04 am | Report abuse |
  2. gung hoe

    This should be a interesting trial.I dont remember the case but as I stated earlier I going to follow this case should read like a good book shouldnt it PHILLIP at least if your not DRUNK

    October 11, 2011 at 2:13 am | Report abuse |
  3. THE ONE AND ONLY DRAKOREX1

    THE LAWYER SOUNDS LIKE A REAL STAND UP GUY.

    October 11, 2011 at 4:01 am | Report abuse |
  4. fernace

    Poor Philip, hiding in his bottle! The problem is it's transparent & we can see you! Hope this Bout crook gets what's coming to him! Good wee hrs. to you, gung hoe!!

    October 11, 2011 at 4:03 am | Report abuse |
  5. gung hoe

    Talk about the "Merchants of Death", what does one think that these big defense contractors are in Washington? Especially those creeps who manufacture those ungodly drones and Tomahawk missiles for a huge profit. Peeople are being needlessly slaughtered while these creeps are getting richer by the day! This is quite disgusting!!!!!

    October 11, 2011 at 8:12 am | Report abuse |
  6. banasy©

    After two decades of eluding authorities, they should have a boat load of evidence to convict him with!

    October 11, 2011 at 1:56 pm | Report abuse |
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