Who is Viktor Bout and why was Merchant of Death swapped for Brittney Griner?

Know all about the notorious Russian arms dealer who was swapped for Brittney Griner in US-Russia prisoner exchange.

Who is Viktor Bout and why was Merchant of Death swapped for Brittney Griner?

Viktor Bout | Brittney Griner (via open source, Imago)

Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout was involved in a prisoner exchange deal for US Basketball superstar Brittany Griner, who has been captive in a Russian prison for ten months after officials at the Moscow airport caught cannabis oil in her luggage when she was returning back to the US.

Top US officials were trying their best for months, finalizing an exchange deal for their star player and they have finally succeeded, but it looks like they had to pay a huge cost to buy Griner’s freedom. Bout, a former air force officer for the Soviets had such a reputation that his whole debacle was constituted in a Hollywood film, ‘The Notorious Mr. Bout’.

Griner’s release in exchange for the infamous Merchant of Death was on the cards for quite some time. Bout is a Russian national who was born in Tajikistan, then a Soviet territory. His air transport business took off in the 1990s after the disintegration of the Soviet Union. Here’s what you need to know about the notorious Merchant of Death.

FS Video

Who is Viktor Bout exchanged for Brittney Griner?

Viktor Bout is a notorious Russian arms dealer and former Soviet military officer. He earned the nickname ‘Merchant of Death’ due to his illegal arms trade activities, accused of supplying weapons to some of the world’s most violent regimes and warlords. The 2005 film “Lord of War,” starring Nicholas Cage, was inspired by Viktor’s story.

Bout was arrested by Thai officials back in 2008 and his extradition to the United States was completed in 2010. The US Court sentenced Viktor to 25 years in prison, ensuring that he will only be released in August 2029.

Viktor Bout | Brittney Griner
Viktor Bout | Brittney Griner (via Pinterest, Imago)

Viktor’s exploits were brought to end in a sting operation by an undercover US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) team in 2008. The DEA agents posed as potential buyers from the terrorist group FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia). However, Viktor pleaded his innocence claiming that he is merely an entrepreneur and has been framed in arms dealing charges by the US political factions.

Viktor was one of the most-wanted Russians facing imprisonment by the US. The Russian authorities consistently sought Bout’s release after his conviction. With growing public sentiment and protests demanding the release of WNBA star Brittney Griner, American officials found themselves with no alternative. As a consequence, the US authorities folded their hand and had to release one of their most prized convicts for the WNBA star.

FAQs

Q. Is Brittney Griner still in the WNBA?

Yes, Brittney Griner is back and playing in the WNBA.

Q. How old is Brittney Griner?

Brittney Griner is 33 years old.

Q. Which team does Brittney Griner play for in the WNBA?

Brittney Griner plays for the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA.

In case you missed: