WASHINGTON - Federal prosecutors have filed new charges against a Russian accused of illegal arms dealing and his American associate.
The updated indictment against Viktor Bout, once known as the "Merchant of Death," follows a Thai court's decision last year to reject a U.S. request for Bout's extradition. He was arrested in 2008 at a luxury Bangkok hotel.
The new indictment charges that Bout and Richard Chichakli, a U.S. citizen, conspired to violate sanctions aimed at stopping the flow of weapons to armed conflicts in Africa. They also are charged with money laundering and wire fraud. Chichakli's whereabouts are unknown.
Bout has repeatedly denied the accusations. He has been linked to some of the world's most notorious conflicts.
.jpg){kind=small}
