Viktor Bout, a Russia arms dealer known as the “Merchant of Death,” could be repatriated to his native country as remuneration for American professional basketball player Brittney Griner and former US Marine Paul Whelan
According to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the United States has made a “substantial offer” to Russia in exchange for the release of its citizens detained there.
On Wednesday, the Biden administration acknowledged assisting Griner and Whelan in their release. According to a White House spokesman, the United States administration is actively looking for ways to resolve this problem.
Know Who Is Arms Dealer Viktor Bout Merchant Of Death Russia Prisoner USA Has Offered In Exchange For Brittney Griner And Paul Whelan, Age, Biography, Story, Charges, Aircraft Trade
CNN Exclusive: Biden admin has offered to exchange Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms trafficker serving a 25-year US prison sentence, in potential deal for release of detained Americans Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, @kylieatwood @evanperez @jmhansler reporting
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) July 27, 2022
BREAKING: The United States has offered a deal to swap Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.
— BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) July 27, 2022
CNN Exclusive: Biden admin has offered to exchange Viktor Bout, a convicted Russian arms trafficker serving a 25-year US prison sentence, in potential deal for release of detained Americans Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, @kylieatwood @evanperez @jmhansler reporting
— Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) July 27, 2022
Who Is Viktor Bout And What Is The Problem?
Bout was captured in 2008 while participating in an undercover investigation at a swanky hotel in Bangkok, Thailand, where he met with DEA operatives. He was negotiating to give the group a sizable number of firearms valued at close to $20 million, which included several weapons. The arsenal had several sniper rifles, automatic guns, and missiles, in addition to five tonnes of explosives and 10 million rounds of ammunition.
They allegedly attempted to pass themselves off as members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, which the US government regards as a narco-terrorist group.
In 2011, he was convicted of attempting to kill Americans, plotting to supply anti-aircraft weaponry, and supporting a terrorist organization. He is currently serving a 25-year term in a US prison. However, the Russian authorities have long targeted Bout and demanded his release.
In 2015, the movie “Lord of War,” depicting Bout, was released. However, Bout has defended his activities and claimed to be a sincere businessman.
How are Britteny Griner and Paul Whelan Related To Viktor Bout?
Griner was jailed in February after officials reportedly found cannabis oil in her luggage at a Russian airport. She pleaded guilty to a drug peddling charge last month and now faces up to 10 years in jail, despite the fact that she has maintained that her intention would not be to violate Russian law.
The Biden administration has offered to exchange Russian arms trafficker Viktor Bout for Americans Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan, per @CNN
Griner has been detained for 160 days. pic.twitter.com/iGcpT8P07v
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 27, 2022
Whelan was sentenced to 16 years in jail in 2020 for crimes relating to treason, although he, his family, and the US government have all justified his conduct.
Bout Is One Of The Crucial Resource For Russia as he is very knowledgeable and has a lot of useful information.
Agreements to trade Bout for Griner were initially mentioned by the state-run TASS news agency in May.
the hidden replies omg pic.twitter.com/FYshDhL8om
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) July 27, 2022
Russian officials have been putting a lot of pressure on this trade since they think Bout is a valuable asset and an important issue. He has vital expertise which he can transfer to the Russian state agency GRU, his former outfit, which is why Russia wants him back.
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