International arms dealer Viktor Bout arrested in Thailand

March 8, 2008

, an international arms dealer, has been arrested in Thailand. Bout was arrested by the on Thursday, after checking in at a  luxury hotel in the  district of.

Viktor Bout is suspected of supplying arms to the Taliban, Al-Qaeda,, as well as combatants on both sides of African civil wars. He has been dubbed the "Merchant of Death" by the press as well as the book Merchant of Death: Money, Guns, Planes and the Man Who Makes War Possible by and Stephen Braun.

At a press conference held by Thai police they said that Bout is being investigated for "procuring weapons for terrorists and conspiring with terrorists." According to Maj. Gen. Surapol Thuanthong, Bout said "The game is over" when he was arrested. "This multi-country operation culminating in the arrest of Viktor Bout in Thailand is a model for how suspected dangerous international criminals need to be investigated, charged and brought to justice in the 21st century," said Interpol Secretary General.

Federal prosecutors in the United States hope to get Bout extradited for prosecution on charges of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization.

The 2005 film  has been said to have been inspired by Viktor Bout.