Russia arms supplier viktor bout
Merchant Of Death: Discussion has once again started across the world about the ‘Godfather of Arms’, Russian arms dealer Victor Bout. After being released from jail, Bout is said to be involved in supplying weapons to Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Victor Bout, also known as the ‘Merchant of Death’ due to his arms smuggling network, was released as a prisoner in exchange for WNBA star Brittany Griner. So, in this report, let us explain to you the meaning of ‘Godfather of Arms’ and also tell you who this Victor Bout is.
What is the meaning of ‘Godfather of Arms’?
‘Godfather of Arms’ refers to those who play a major role in arms trade, smuggling or distribution. They are called by this name because these people are very influential and powerful in their field. These people supply weapons in a secret and illegal manner and their network may also include criminals, terrorist organizations and government officials from many countries.
This name is important
The history of ‘Godfather of Arms’ is very old. Illegal arms trade has been going on for centuries, but it gained momentum on a large scale in the 20th century. After World War II, there was a huge demand for weapons in many countries. During this period, many notorious arms smugglers emerged, who earned huge profits by illegally trading arms. Among these, the name of Victor Bout is most prominent, who is also known as ‘Merchant of Death’. Bout has smuggled arms on a large scale to Africa, the Middle East and other regions. In 2008 he was arrested in Thailand and later convicted in the US.
viktor bout
Who is Victor Bout?
Victor Bout is a notorious Russian arms smuggler. Bout was born on 13 January 1967 in the Soviet Union (now Tajikistan). Victor Bout served as a translator in the Soviet military forces. His knowledge of several languages helped Bout in business and international relations. After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Bout started an air cargo company, which later became the vehicle for his illegal arms trade.
arrest and punishment
Victor Bout is accused of supplying weapons to several conflict zones in Africa, Asia and South America. He sold weapons to governments, rebel groups and terrorist organizations. Due to these activities, he came on the radar of various international organizations and countries. In 2008, Bout was arrested during a US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) operation in Thailand. In this operation, agents tried to purchase weapons from Bout by posing as members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). Later, in 2010, Bout was extradited to the US, where he was convicted in 2011 on charges of providing support to terrorist organisations, conspiracy to commit murder and smuggling of missiles. Bout was sentenced to 25 years in prison.
the film has been made
A film based on the works of Victor Bout has also been made. Nicolas Cage played the lead role in the film ‘Lord of War’ (2005). Bout’s story is of a man who violated international laws and policies for his own benefit and put the lives of many innocent people in danger.
Arms Smuggling (symbolic picture)
How does the network work?
It is said that Victor Bout’s network is spread in many countries. These networks obtain weapons from various sources, such as theft, illegal manufacturing and theft from government warehouses. After this, these weapons are sent around the world through various mediums. These include sea routes, air routes and road routes. Many people are involved in this network, including manufacturers, smugglers, middlemen and distributors. All these together form an organized network. The entire work is done through this network.
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