Viktor Bout, the so-called “Merchant of Death” convicted of trying sell up to $20 million in surface-to-air missiles to a terror group, has failed to persuade a federal appellate court that his prosecution was the product of political pressure and vindictiveness.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, in a decision Friday, found “no merit to any of” Bout’s claims. It upheld the verdict and the mandatory minimum 25-year sentence imposed by Southern District Judge Shira Scheindlin (See Profile). Judge Jose Cabranes (See Profile) wrote the circuit opinion, which was joined by Judges Peter Hall (See Profile) and Denny Chin (See Profile).
