Russia understands Bout's extradition, Kasit (Please click here) Moscow – Russia reacted furiously Tuesday to news that former Soviet air force officer Viktor Bout , dubbed the "Merchant of Death" for his alleged global arms dealing, was hastily plucked from the maximum security Bangkok prison from which he's been fending off extradition efforts for more than two years, and bundled onto a plane bound for the United States. Mr. Bout's extradition had been imminent since August, when a Thai court ruled that he could be sent to the US to face charges of gun running and abetting terrorism. Russia, which decries the prosecution of Bout as "politically motivated," had been pressing Thailand behind the scenes to resist US demands for Bout's extradition. Russian media on Tuesday broadcast an interview with Bout's wife Alla, who said she and Russian officials were deceived about the Thai government's intentions toward her husband. ...