11 Shocking Revelations About Viktor Bout, the 'Merchant of Death'

1. Who is Viktor Bout?

Viktor Bout is a Russian arms dealer and politician, known as the 'Merchant of Death' for his extensive involvement in the global arms trade. He was born on January 13, 1967, in Soviet-ruled Tajikistan.

2. What is Viktor Bout's Background?

Bout began his career in air transport in the early 1990s, after the fall of the USSR. He used military planes left on Soviet airfields to deliver goods to war-torn parts of Africa and the Middle East.

3. What is Viktor Bout's Notorious Reputation?

Bout's reputation as the 'Merchant of Death' stems from his involvement in numerous conflicts, including the Angolan Civil War, the Liberian Civil War, and the Second Congo War. He has been accused of supplying weapons to both rebels and legitimate governments.

4. What Were Viktor Bout's Activities Before His Arrest?

Before his arrest, Bout operated a network of companies that smuggled arms from Eastern Europe to Africa and the Middle East. He allegedly employed over 300 people and operated 40 to 60 aircraft.

5. How Did Viktor Bout Get Arrested?

Bout was arrested in 2008 as part of a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sting operation that spanned three continents. He was extradited to the U.S. in 2010 and served 10 years of a 25-year sentence before being swapped for WNBA star Brittney Griner.

6. What Was Viktor Bout's Sentence for Arms Dealing?

Bout was sentenced to 25 years in prison in April 2012 after being found guilty of conspiracy to kill Americans and US officials, delivering anti-aircraft missiles, and aiding a terrorist organization.

7. What is Viktor Bout's Current Involvement in the Arms Trade?

After his release in December 2022, Viktor Bout has reportedly returned to the arms trading business. He is seeking to broker sales of small arms to Yemens Iran-backed Houthi militants, according to The Wall Street Journal.

8. Where Did Viktor Bout Meet with Houthi Emissaries?

In August 2024, Viktor Bout met with two Houthi emissaries in Moscow to negotiate the purchase of $10 million worth of automatic weapons, including AK-74 assault rifles and Kornet anti-tank missiles.

9. What Are the Implications of Viktor Bout's Arms Deals?

The potential arms transfers, although not significant enough to threaten U.S. efforts to protect global shipping from Houthi attacks, are still opposed by Washington. The U.S. has designated the Houthi group as a terrorist organization.

10. How Has Viktor Bout's Return to Arms Trading Been Received?

The return of Viktor Bout to the arms trade has raised concerns about the potential destabilization of conflict zones and the violation of international arms embargoes. The Kremlin has not commented on the matter, and it is unclear whether the negotiations are taking place with its tacit approval.

11. What Is Viktor Bout's Political Involvement?

Viktor Bout has also been involved in Russian politics. He was approved as a candidate for local elections in Russia by a far-right party, the Liberal Democratic Party, and was listed as a candidate for the Krasnoyarsk City Council.