Victor Bout, the person on whom Lord of War was based, was arrested in 2008 in Bangkok, while attempting to sell arms to US investigators posing as Colombian FARC rebels. Though initially Thailand was uncooperative, Bout was extradited to the US on November 16, 2010 (despite opposition from the Russian government). The US Department of Justice charged Bout with a number terrorism offenses; however, none of the crimes were committed in the US (global policy). His field of operations included Afghanistan, Angola, Congo, Liberia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Sudan. The US and UK reputedly have used Bout’s services to bring shipments into dangerous zones of Iraq as well. Bout was serving a 25 year prison term; however, in December of 2022, the US exchanged Bout for Brittney Griner.
What is the current state of arms trafficking, and who are the major players?
What policies and/or procedures can be put into place to limit arms trafficking globally?