Pentagon' "concerns" about Viktor Bout to liberate Brittney Griner

Pentagon’ “concerns” about Viktor Bout to liberate Brittney Griner

Web Desk

09th Dec, 2022. 07:14 pm
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Viktor Bout was sent back to Russia in a prisoner exchange for Brittney Griner.
Bout is said to be the most active arms trader in recent memory.
Defense will work with African allies to grasp global arms trade concerns.

In a prisoner exchange for Brittney Griner, Viktor Bout was sent back to Russia on Thursday. According to the Pentagon, there is some “concerns” that Bout may again resume his involvement in the illegal international armaments trade.

“I think there is a concern that he would return to doing the same kind of work that he’s done in the past,” a senior defense official told reporters after Bout’s release from US custody.

Bout is said to be the most active arms trader in recent memory, supporting wars in Africa and elsewhere. In the US, he was incarcerated for 25 years after being found guilty of conspiring to kill Americans, buy and sell anti-aircraft missiles, and give financial assistance to a terrorist group.

According to the person, the Defense Department will keep collaborating with its allies in Africa to comprehend the current dangers associated with the global arms trade.

“There are a number of actors out there who have influence in the Russian oligarchy,” the official said. “We will continue to work with African partners so that they understand the risks and the threats of the people that they’re working with and the organizations that they’re working with,” the official added.