Viktor Bout led an opulent and elusive life. His rise began with the decline of the erstwhile Soviet Union. From an air force pilot to a successful businessman owning a fleet of jets and generating profits from across the world -- profits that he earned from supplying arms to dreaded terrorists, trading in 'conflict diamonds' and smuggling drugs. Today, he is behind the bars.
It took just a tip-off from a remote jungle (according to a report in London's Independent newspaper) for authorities to swoop into Viktor's luxurious suite in a five-star hotel in Thailand and take him into custody.
Viktor is due to stand trial in many countries on charges of supplying arms to insurgent groups and warring factions in South America, Africa and central Asia.
Image: Thai cops escort Viktor to the headquarters of the Crime Suppression Bureau in Bangkok.
Photographs: AFP/Getty Images
Also read: The Bikini Killer
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