'Merchant of Death' pleads not guilty in NYC
Russian arms trafficking suspect Viktor Bout, center, in U.S. custody after being flown from Bangkok to New York in a chartered plane. (Nov. 16, 2010) Credit: AP
A Russian arms trafficking suspect labeled the "Merchant of Death" has pleaded not guilty in a New York City court, where he's charged with supporting terrorists trying to overthrow the government of Colombia.
Viktor Bout was ordered held without bail following his appearance Wednesday in Manhattan federal court.
At a news conference, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said Bout's extradition from Thailand is proof that "no one is beyond the reach of the law."
The 43-year-old Bout is accused of fueling some of the deadly Third World conflicts over the last decade with powerful weapons.
He was arrested in Thailand after a sting operation by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.
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