Thailand to send arms deal suspect for US trial

A THAI appeal court yesterday ordered the extradition of suspected Russian arms smuggler Viktor Bout to the US, angering Moscow but paving the way to put the man dubbed the "Merchant of Death" on trial.

Bout, shackled in leg irons, vowed to prove his innocence in an American courtroom. "We will face the trial in the United States and win it," he said.

The court ordered Bout's extradition within three months, overturning a lower court's rejection of a US request that he face trial there. No further judicial appeals are possible.

The ruling is a victory for the Obama administration, which had summoned the Thai ambassador in Washington to stress the importance of the case.

US Acting Deputy Attorney General Gary Grindler said Washington was "extremely pleased" with the ruling.

However, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov called the decision "unlawful and political". Without mentioning the US, he said the ruling was influenced by "very strong outside pressure."

Experts say Bout has been useful for Russia's intelligence apparatus. The 43-year-old former Soviet air force officer, is reputed to be one of the world's most prolific arms dealers. The head of an air transport empire, he has long evaded UN and US sanctions aimed at blocking his financial activities and restricting his travel. He has denied any involvement in illicit activities.

The Nicolas Cage film, Lord of War, is loosely based on his life.

Bout's arrest by Thai authorities in March 2008 set off a legal tug-of-war between the US and Russia. He was indicted in the US on charges that include conspiring to sell millions of dollars worth of weapons to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or Farc.