Suspected Russian Arm Dealer 'Rejects Plea Bargain'

Suspected Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout (center) is escorted by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration officers after arriving in the United States on November 16.

In his first public comments since his extradition from Thailand to the United States in November, accused Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout has said he refused a plea bargain with U.S. authorities.

He said he "had nothing to tell about" and "don't know anything they are interested in."

Russian state-owned RIA Novosti news agency published Bout's remarks, which he reportedly sent via a Russian Embassy official in the U.S.

Bout, a former Soviet air force officer, could be imprisoned for life if convicted on U.S. terrorism and arms-trafficking charges.

Bout faces four conspiracy charges over arms dealing since the 1990s to dictators and conflict zones in Africa, South America, and the Middle East.

compiled from agency reports