Saturday, January 12, 2013

'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout's Accomplice Arrested In Australia

Richard Chichakli has repeatedly denied working for Viktor Bout. BBC

American Money Man to 'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout Arrested: Feds -- ABC News

Federal authorities announced today the arrest of an American they said was a co-conspirator of the so-called "Merchant of Death," Victor Bout.

Richard Chichakli, a dual Syrian-U.S. citizen, is alleged to have been the money man and "facilitator" for Bout during his long, notorious career as an international arms dealer. Chichakli was arrested by Australian authorities at the request of the U.S. Wednesday, according to a statement from the Drug Enforcement Agency.

"The international law enforcement community has long recognized Richard Chichakli as a key criminal facilitator in Viktor Bout's global weapons trafficking regime and his arrest means the world is safer and more secure," DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart said. "Bout merged drug cartels with terrorist enablers, and his close associate, Chichakli, worked to ensure they could ship weapons and conduct illicit business around the world."

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More News On The 'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout's Accomplice Arrested In Australia

Accused associate of 'Lord of War' arms dealer Viktor Bout caught in Australia -- NBC/AP
Australia holds arms dealer Viktor Bout's 'accomplice'
-- BBC
Alleged Bout Associate Arrested -- Wall Street Journal
Fugitive caught applying for Australian government job -- The Guardian
'Merchant of Death' conspirator arrested -- CNN
Man linked to arms dealer Bout arrested in Australia -- Reuters
False ID claims emerge in arms-link PSO case -- The Age

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