Alleged Russian arms dealer denied bail in Thai court
Tuesday, 11 Mar 2008 13:12
Viktor Bout is being held in Thailand
A court in Thailand has denied bail for a suspected Russian arms dealer over fears he would flee the country.
Viktor Bout, dubbed The Merchant of Death, was arrested in Bangkok last week after a US-led international investigation.
Mr Bout, 41, is charged with trying to smuggle missiles and rocket launchers to Colombian rebels.
A court statement released today said: "The suspect [Mr Bout] is being detained on severe charges for alleged engagement with international terrorists and the court said if it grants bail the suspect might escape."
His lawyer Lak Nitiwatanavichan claimed that he would file another submission for bail.
The US is currently trying to extradite Mr Bout, but Thai officials are investigating whether he used the country as a base for negotiating with terrorists.
Under Thai law suspects can be held for up to 84 days without being formally charged.
US and UN officials have alleged that Mr Bout was an international weapons smuggler and supplied arms for former leaders such as Moammar Gadhafi in Libya and Charles Taylor in Liberia.
US drug enforcement officers posed as Colombian rebels to capture Mr Bout earlier this month.