Are Russian Officials Afraid That Arms Merchant Viktor Bout Will Reveal Secrets?

Suspected Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, aka 'The Merchant of Death,' stands in a holding cell after arriving at a Bangkok criminal court August 20. A Thai appeals court ruled on Friday that Bout be extradited to the US to face charges of supplying weapons to Colombian rebels. Sukree Sukplang/Reuters

Russia 'Terrified' Over Viktor Bout Trial, Lawyer Claims -- The Telegraph

The Kremlin is "terrified" that America's forthcoming trial of Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout will expose his links to top Russian officials and Moscow's secret deals with controversial regimes around the world, it has been claimed.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, international lawyer Robert Amsterdam said that Mr Bout, who was extradited to America from Thailand in November, possessed a treasure trove of compromising information.

"It is limitless," said Mr Amsterdam. "He is connected to Russia's shadow state and the most powerful elements of the power elite. He has tremendous information on how that shadow state works and on its dealings with Venezuela, Iran and across Asia.

Read more ....

My Comment: Does Viktor Bout know enough to damage the "reputation" of some Russian officials back home .... I do not know the answer to that one. But I do know that he does not want to deal with the U.S. Government .... hence .... expect a civilian trial in one year.