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WAR: Global Arms - Trafficking Network Designated by US (Update: Viktor Bout Extradited)
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reply to post by Cypher
Here's some good news. Or at least for me, as I didn't see it until now. It's from yesterday. Russia will not seek for Bout's extradition to Russia.
Interfax: Russia will not seek Bout's extradition from Thailand - source (Part 2)
15:14 GMT, Mar 11, 2008
Russian authorities will not seek businessman Viktor Bout's extradition from Thailand, where he was recently detained on suspicion of arms trafficking.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Here's some good news. Or at least for me, as I didn't see it until now. It's from yesterday. Russia will not seek for Bout's extradition to Russia.
Interfax: Russia will not seek Bout's extradition from Thailand - source (Part 2)
15:14 GMT, Mar 11, 2008
Russian authorities will not seek businessman Viktor Bout's extradition from Thailand, where he was recently detained on suspicion of arms trafficking.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
I think it's good news as well that Russia isn't going to try for extradition, but I am quite frankly very surprised by it.
I was under the impression that Bout was believed to have had numerous contacts within the Russian security services. And while the central government of Russia may not be the all powerful force it once was, I can't imagine that a man like Bout could have done his work without the tacit support of Putin and his cronies. I'm sure that if this were true it would be very interesting to American intelligence.
Not only that, but the work Bout has done on the behalf of the American government should be pretty interesting to Russian intelligence as well and he probably could have been expected to divulge all of that info on a quid pro quo basis if they had managed to save his behind.
So considering these points, I can't see what Russia would have had to lose by trying for extradition. Thus their decision to not throw their hand in kind of puzzles me.
-Cypher
P.S. Have you heard, is Belgium considering or attempting to extradite Bout as well to answer the money laundering charges they indicted him on or have they stepped aside to let the Americans or Thais prosecute him?
I was under the impression that Bout was believed to have had numerous contacts within the Russian security services. And while the central government of Russia may not be the all powerful force it once was, I can't imagine that a man like Bout could have done his work without the tacit support of Putin and his cronies. I'm sure that if this were true it would be very interesting to American intelligence.
Not only that, but the work Bout has done on the behalf of the American government should be pretty interesting to Russian intelligence as well and he probably could have been expected to divulge all of that info on a quid pro quo basis if they had managed to save his behind.
So considering these points, I can't see what Russia would have had to lose by trying for extradition. Thus their decision to not throw their hand in kind of puzzles me.
-Cypher
P.S. Have you heard, is Belgium considering or attempting to extradite Bout as well to answer the money laundering charges they indicted him on or have they stepped aside to let the Americans or Thais prosecute him?
Remember the FARC/Mogilevich link to Romania from the previous page? The meeting in mid-January. Well, here's a Viktor Bout/Romania link as well (+
Syria).
Hayssam reportedly linked to weapon dealer Bout
2008-03-13
Weapon dealer Viktor Bout, arrested recently in Thailand, had ties with Syrian Omar Hayssam, who was sentenced by a Romanian court to 20 years in prison for acts of terrorism for orchestrating the kidnapping of three Romanian journalists in Iraq in 2005. Hayssam is currently sought internationally as he fled the country pending trial in June 2006.
The lead in the Bout case appeared while Romanian prosecutors were investigating Hayssam’s involvement in weapon dealing, Realitatea TV reported.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Syria... this reminds me of the recent Israeli bomb raid in Syria at a supposed "nuclear facility". Maybe they wanted to play with suitcase nuke(s) like Kim (imo) did in North Korea? I've heard there were North Korean technicians at this Syrian facility when it was bombed by Israel.
Hayssam reportedly linked to weapon dealer Bout
2008-03-13
Weapon dealer Viktor Bout, arrested recently in Thailand, had ties with Syrian Omar Hayssam, who was sentenced by a Romanian court to 20 years in prison for acts of terrorism for orchestrating the kidnapping of three Romanian journalists in Iraq in 2005. Hayssam is currently sought internationally as he fled the country pending trial in June 2006.
The lead in the Bout case appeared while Romanian prosecutors were investigating Hayssam’s involvement in weapon dealing, Realitatea TV reported.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Syria... this reminds me of the recent Israeli bomb raid in Syria at a supposed "nuclear facility". Maybe they wanted to play with suitcase nuke(s) like Kim (imo) did in North Korea? I've heard there were North Korean technicians at this Syrian facility when it was bombed by Israel.
Russia is going to extradite a former Israeli army officer, Yair Klein, to Colombia.
The Moscow Times: Israeli Arms Suspect Loses Extradition Appeal
March 13, 2008
A Moscow court has ordered the extradition of a controversial Israeli businessman and former army officer to Colombia, where he faces a jail sentence for training right-wing paramilitary forces.
[---]
In 1991, an Israeli court convicted and fined him for selling arms to Colombian paramilitary forces, and he has also spent 16 months in a Sierra Leone jail over his involvement in a guns-for-diamonds deal.
The ruling to extradite Klein comes just days after Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is accused of attempting to supply arms to Colombia's left-wing FARC guerrillas, was detained in Thailand as part of a sting operation.
[---]
"He is the most wanted man in Colombia."
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
The Moscow Times: Israeli Arms Suspect Loses Extradition Appeal
March 13, 2008
A Moscow court has ordered the extradition of a controversial Israeli businessman and former army officer to Colombia, where he faces a jail sentence for training right-wing paramilitary forces.
[---]
In 1991, an Israeli court convicted and fined him for selling arms to Colombian paramilitary forces, and he has also spent 16 months in a Sierra Leone jail over his involvement in a guns-for-diamonds deal.
The ruling to extradite Klein comes just days after Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is accused of attempting to supply arms to Colombia's left-wing FARC guerrillas, was detained in Thailand as part of a sting operation.
[---]
"He is the most wanted man in Colombia."
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Again, I feel I have to post on how intriguing I find this story to be. I'm not seeing the whole picture yet, but it seems to me that this may just
be the beginning of one of those truly great ATS moments that give true insight to the secretive world of intelligence agencies, back room arms deals,
government black ops and the interconnectedness of the world's "military industrial complex."
Viktor Bout by the very nature of having had so many connections to the movers and shakers of the world, and a hand in almost every armed conflict in recent history is a wealth of information and the investigation into the story of his operations and arrest may give us a window on to that shadowy world.
The last few days, I've been voraciously devouring any info I can get on this story and it's various tentacles that reach into so many parts of the world. Should I come up with any interesting tidbits and or theories I'll be sure to share them.
Special thanks go again to Hellmutt for the amazing work you've done on this story. I hope others have applauded you, but I for one give you a resounding standing ovation!
This people, is what ATS is all about.
-Cypher
Viktor Bout by the very nature of having had so many connections to the movers and shakers of the world, and a hand in almost every armed conflict in recent history is a wealth of information and the investigation into the story of his operations and arrest may give us a window on to that shadowy world.
The last few days, I've been voraciously devouring any info I can get on this story and it's various tentacles that reach into so many parts of the world. Should I come up with any interesting tidbits and or theories I'll be sure to share them.
Special thanks go again to Hellmutt for the amazing work you've done on this story. I hope others have applauded you, but I for one give you a resounding standing ovation!
This people, is what ATS is all about.
-Cypher
Latest From The Charles Taylor Trial
Charles Taylor ordered his soldiers to eat UN peacekeepers for lunch.
BBC: Taylor 'made rebels eat enemies'
13 March 2008
Joseph "Zigzag" Marzah said Mr Taylor had instructed his fighters in Liberia to even eat UN peacekeepers to "set an example for the people to be afraid".
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Charles Taylor ordered his soldiers to eat UN peacekeepers for lunch.
BBC: Taylor 'made rebels eat enemies'
13 March 2008
Joseph "Zigzag" Marzah said Mr Taylor had instructed his fighters in Liberia to even eat UN peacekeepers to "set an example for the people to be afraid".
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Russia is trying to get Viktor Bout released...
Washington Times: Inside the Ring
March 14, 2008
U.S. intelligence and counterterrorism officials say Russia's government is quietly seeking State Department help in pressuring Thailand authorities into releasing arms dealer Victor Bout from custody.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Douglas Farah: Russia Seeking Bout's Release
Washington Times: Inside the Ring
March 14, 2008
U.S. intelligence and counterterrorism officials say Russia's government is quietly seeking State Department help in pressuring Thailand authorities into releasing arms dealer Victor Bout from custody.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Douglas Farah: Russia Seeking Bout's Release
According to my sources, confirmed by Bill Gertz in the Washington Times, Russia is actively seeking to get the State Department to help spring Viktor Bout from his Thai prison home.
A large number of companions
According to Bangkok Post, Viktor Bout has not felt lonely in prison.
Photo: AP Photo/David Longstreath
Bangkok Post: Russian undertight security
March 18, 2008
Viktor Bout, known as the ''Merchant of Death'', has not felt lonely since his arrival and arrest in Thailand earlier this month. Inside or outside bars, the Russian arms dealer always has a large number of companions with him.
[---]
A group of specially selected prisoners were also sent in to spy on him.
These officials and his fellow inmates have also been given the job of preventing Mr Bout from committing suicide.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
According to Bangkok Post, Viktor Bout has not felt lonely in prison.
Photo: AP Photo/David Longstreath
Bangkok Post: Russian undertight security
March 18, 2008
Viktor Bout, known as the ''Merchant of Death'', has not felt lonely since his arrival and arrest in Thailand earlier this month. Inside or outside bars, the Russian arms dealer always has a large number of companions with him.
[---]
A group of specially selected prisoners were also sent in to spy on him.
These officials and his fellow inmates have also been given the job of preventing Mr Bout from committing suicide.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
But he'll be out of prison soon. The question is where? Russia or US?
Same link as above
However, Mr Bout will not be detained in Klong Prem prison much longer as he will be extradited soon, said the department chief.
Moscow and Washington are competing to extradite Mr Bout.
Since his arrest, Mr Bout has maintained his innocence. His Thai lawyer Lak Nitiwattanawijarn, appointed by the Russian government, also insisted his client was not a transnational arms dealer.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Same link as above
However, Mr Bout will not be detained in Klong Prem prison much longer as he will be extradited soon, said the department chief.
Moscow and Washington are competing to extradite Mr Bout.
Since his arrest, Mr Bout has maintained his innocence. His Thai lawyer Lak Nitiwattanawijarn, appointed by the Russian government, also insisted his client was not a transnational arms dealer.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Accusations are blahblahblah
The accusations against Viktor bout are based on nothing but "blahblahblah", according to Viktor Bout's lawyer...
Asia Times Online: Guns? Not me says Viktor Bout
Mar 19, 2008
The US Drug Enforcement Agency's attempt to extradite a Russian, Viktor Bout, to America for alleged terrorism is not supported by evidence and is based on "blah blah blah", according to his lawyer.
[---]
"We don't consider him doing something wrong in relation to the United States of America," Yan said, challenging US jurisdiction to extradite the Russian from Southeast Asia. "He does not consider himself to be guilty of any legal action, neither in Thailand nor anywhere else in the world."
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
He apparently didn't do anything wrong, anywhere in the world, ever...
The DEA's allegations against Bout have not been proven, Yan said. "In accordance to my opinion, today, to what I see, it looks more like, you know, a little bit of 'blah blah blah', just like that," the Russian-based lawyer said. "It has to be supported with the proper evidence ... there are allegations, that's it. It is very unclear," Yan said.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
[edit on 2008/3/18 by Hellmutt]
The accusations against Viktor bout are based on nothing but "blahblahblah", according to Viktor Bout's lawyer...
Asia Times Online: Guns? Not me says Viktor Bout
Mar 19, 2008
The US Drug Enforcement Agency's attempt to extradite a Russian, Viktor Bout, to America for alleged terrorism is not supported by evidence and is based on "blah blah blah", according to his lawyer.
[---]
"We don't consider him doing something wrong in relation to the United States of America," Yan said, challenging US jurisdiction to extradite the Russian from Southeast Asia. "He does not consider himself to be guilty of any legal action, neither in Thailand nor anywhere else in the world."
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
He apparently didn't do anything wrong, anywhere in the world, ever...
The DEA's allegations against Bout have not been proven, Yan said. "In accordance to my opinion, today, to what I see, it looks more like, you know, a little bit of 'blah blah blah', just like that," the Russian-based lawyer said. "It has to be supported with the proper evidence ... there are allegations, that's it. It is very unclear," Yan said.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
[edit on 2008/3/18 by Hellmutt]
This is an interesting read.
Viktor Bout's Last Deal
Click to read. Note: There are three pages.
Viktor Bout's Last Deal
March 18, 2008
How an elite DEA unit brought down the world's most notorious arms dealer.
By Bruce Falconer
Click to read. Note: There are three pages.
Viktor Bout and Mogilevich were "sacrificed" by the FSB?
CFP: Did the FSB Betray Victor Bout?
Enter Medvedev. Exit Mogilevich & Viktor Bout. Is Igor Smirnov next?
Oh, and Poland paid gas money to Mogilevich too.
Related threads:
Tiraspol - Moldova - Mafia in Uniform
Russia to Cut Off Natural Gas Pipeline to Ukraine
The World's Most Accessible Nuclear Facility
CFP: Did the FSB Betray Victor Bout?
March 20, 2008
According to the Polish TV reporter Witold Gadowski, one of the high-positioned protectors of Victor Bout in the Putin’s Kremlin was Igor Ivanovich Sechin, known as an opponent of the new President of Russia, Dmitry Medvedev.
[---]
“Officially, Bout fell into a trap arranged by American special services. But in fact he had been “pointed for a shot” in Thailand by the FSB [the Russian Security Service].
[---]
Somebody in the Kremlin has decided to wind up a protective umbrella over the most wanted international criminals. Mogilevich and Bout, used before in many actions, became useless ballast to the new ‘tsarevich’ – Medvedev.”
Enter Medvedev. Exit Mogilevich & Viktor Bout. Is Igor Smirnov next?
Oh, and Poland paid gas money to Mogilevich too.
The report stirred big waves in Poland, because it proved that the Polish Government was paying for the imports of Russian natural gas not directly to its producer, GAZPROM, but to an intermediary co-owned by the Russian mafia and “The Brainy Don”, Semyon Mogilevich.
Related threads:
Tiraspol - Moldova - Mafia in Uniform
Russia to Cut Off Natural Gas Pipeline to Ukraine
The World's Most Accessible Nuclear Facility
Thailands foreign minister says it would take about a year before Viktor Bout could be extradited to the US.
A year needed for extradition of top Russian arms dealer - Thai FM
It would take about a year before Thailand could extradite Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, dubbed the "Merchant of Death," to the United States, Thailand's foreign minister Noppadon Pattama said Thursday.
[---]
He can be held without charge for up to 84 days, but a court must re-approve his detention every 12 days.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
A year...
A year needed for extradition of top Russian arms dealer - Thai FM
It would take about a year before Thailand could extradite Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, dubbed the "Merchant of Death," to the United States, Thailand's foreign minister Noppadon Pattama said Thursday.
[---]
He can be held without charge for up to 84 days, but a court must re-approve his detention every 12 days.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
A year...
Here's an interview with Douglas Farah about Viktor Bout. It's from 31 July 2007. Riz Khan, Al Jazeera.
Here's an update for the few who is following this thread.
What's this? The US filed no extradition request for Viktor Bout?! Huh?!! If this is true, what on earth is going on here?! Seems like Viktor Bout might be back in business soon. They apparently don't want to stop him...
"Merchant of Death" case may take a year - Thai minister
21 March 2008
Pattama, who discussed Bout's case with US Attorney General Michael Mukasey, told Tass on Thursday the US side "filed no extradition requests, and the Attorney General simply said he would like to see Mr. Bout in the United States."
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
...
What's this? The US filed no extradition request for Viktor Bout?! Huh?!! If this is true, what on earth is going on here?! Seems like Viktor Bout might be back in business soon. They apparently don't want to stop him...
"Merchant of Death" case may take a year - Thai minister
21 March 2008
Pattama, who discussed Bout's case with US Attorney General Michael Mukasey, told Tass on Thursday the US side "filed no extradition requests, and the Attorney General simply said he would like to see Mr. Bout in the United States."
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
...
Originally posted by Cypher
P.S. Have you heard, is Belgium considering or attempting to extradite Bout as well to answer the money laundering charges they indicted him on or have they stepped aside to let the Americans or Thais prosecute him?
It seems like they've dropped the charges against Bout...
Interfax: Belgian authorities withdraw claims against Bout
No Official Extradition Request From Washington
Why is only Russian media reporting that the US has not yet filed an official extradition request? I find similar articles about "it may take one year...it may take 2 years...blahblahblah", but none of them mention this. They don't want us to know?
RIA Novosti: Extradition decision over 'Merchant of Death' may take 2 years
20/03/2008
Despite earlier reports, the Thai Foreign Ministry has not yet received an official extradition request from Washington and no extradition procedures have been launched.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Why is only Russian media reporting that the US has not yet filed an official extradition request? I find similar articles about "it may take one year...it may take 2 years...blahblahblah", but none of them mention this. They don't want us to know?
RIA Novosti: Extradition decision over 'Merchant of Death' may take 2 years
20/03/2008
Despite earlier reports, the Thai Foreign Ministry has not yet received an official extradition request from Washington and no extradition procedures have been launched.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
reply to post by Hellmutt
FARC, Mogilevich, Viktor Bout and Romania. And now Colombia has apparently seized 66 pounds (30 kg) of uranium from FARC. So they did get their hands on some uranium after all...
Colombia seizes uranium from leftist guerrillas (by MikeboydUS)
FARC, Mogilevich, Viktor Bout and Romania. And now Colombia has apparently seized 66 pounds (30 kg) of uranium from FARC. So they did get their hands on some uranium after all...
Colombia seizes uranium from leftist guerrillas (by MikeboydUS)
Thailand Dropped Charges Against Bout
Thailand has dropped the charges against Viktor Bout. They are now "waiting for more papers from Washington" (an official extradition request?) before they'll consider whether they should extradite him to the US or not. We might soon see Viktor Bout as a free man and back in business again...
Thais to consider extraditing alleged Russian arms dealer to U.S.
April 9, 2008
Thai police have dropped charges against a Russian man accused of being one of the world's most prolific black market arms dealers.
[---]
Lak said the Thai attorney general's office was awaiting more documents from the United States before officially forwarding the extradition case to court.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
Thailand has dropped the charges against Viktor Bout. They are now "waiting for more papers from Washington" (an official extradition request?) before they'll consider whether they should extradite him to the US or not. We might soon see Viktor Bout as a free man and back in business again...
Thais to consider extraditing alleged Russian arms dealer to U.S.
April 9, 2008
Thai police have dropped charges against a Russian man accused of being one of the world's most prolific black market arms dealers.
[---]
Lak said the Thai attorney general's office was awaiting more documents from the United States before officially forwarding the extradition case to court.
Please visit the link provided for the complete story.
reply to post by Hellmutt
Its like the movie "God of War." Nicholas Cage's character is an arms dealer for the US government when they can't be seen supplying weapons to certain conflicts.
I'd say this is the reality of the movie. The movie was based off this man.
The US military is the largest arms dealer in the world, but they can't sell every gun. They also hire private contractors to help them, and he happens to be one of them.
Its like the movie "God of War." Nicholas Cage's character is an arms dealer for the US government when they can't be seen supplying weapons to certain conflicts.
I'd say this is the reality of the movie. The movie was based off this man.
The US military is the largest arms dealer in the world, but they can't sell every gun. They also hire private contractors to help them, and he happens to be one of them.
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