Former Soviet military officer and arms trafficking suspect Viktor Bout (center) deplanes after arriving in New York in November 2010.
Mandatory Credit:	US Department of Justice/Getty Images

Former Soviet military officer and arms trafficking suspect Viktor Bout (center) deplanes after arriving in New York in November 2010.
Mandatory Credit: US Department of Justice/Getty Images

Stories this photo appears in:

Tease photo

Who is Viktor Bout, Russian arms dealer known as the 'Merchant of Death', touted for US prisoner swap?

The future of two American citizens detained in Russia could hinge on the release of a convicted Russian arms dealer, nicknamed the "Merchant of Death" by his accusers, whose life story inspired a Hollywood film.