New Charges Against 'Merchant of Death' Viktor Bout

 

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Following the seizure of his assets in 2005 Chichakli established a web site defending himself. In a 2007 letter posted on the web site, Chichakli disputed his connections with Bout asserting, "I Richard Chichakli hereby testify that I was not at any given time an employee of Victor Bout's companies including Aircess, Airpass, Metavia Airlines, and Central Africa Airlines in the capacity the government alleges, and I never received employment salaries or benefits from these entities."

On the web site Chichakli also addresses an open letter to the FBI: "Furthermore, should you have any questions about this case, Victor Bout, the weather in Moscow, or just want to ask how I'm doing, please feel free to call or drop me an e-mail at any time."

Chichakli is currently believed to be living in Russia according to people familiar with the case, the Justice Department said that it would be working with INTERPOL to locate and arrest Chichakli. Chichakli's attorney Clay Scott, Jr. declined to comment on the indictment since he had not yet reviewed the charges.

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