Russian Arms Dealer Freed by Biden-Harris Caught Supplying Weapons to Terrorists Attacking U.S. Navy

Viktor Bout, the notorious Russian arms dealer freed by the Biden-Harris administration in 2022 as part of a controversial prisoner swap, is once again supplying weapons to terrorists this time to the Iranian-backed Houthis who are attacking U.S. Navy warships. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Bout has resumed his dealings with some of the world’s most dangerous militant groups, putting American forces at risk.

Bout was originally convicted on terrorism charges in 2011 after attempting to sell $10 million worth of weapons, including missiles intended to shoot down U.S. military helicopters, to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). “He aimed to sell those weapons to terrorists for the purpose of killing Americans,” former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said at the time of Bout’s conviction. Yet, less than a decade later, Bout was released as part of a prisoner swap in exchange for WNBA player Brittney Griner, a move that critics called a grave national security mistake.

Now, Bout is back in business.

• The Houthis, who have launched multiple attacks against U.S. forces and merchant vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, reportedly negotiated the purchase of $10 million worth of automatic weapons from Bout in Moscow.

• The Houthis have been responsible for shooting down U.S. surveillance drones each worth over $30 million and have expanded their attacks on Israel and American naval ships.

• While Bout has denied the allegations, his connection to the Houthis and their recent weapon purchases raises significant questions about whether he has the Kremlin’s approval or is acting independently with tacit support.

The Houthis' interest extends beyond simple firearms. The report states they are in the market for Kornet antitank missiles and antiaircraft weapons, tools that could drastically escalate their war against U.S. and allied forces in the region.

Bout’s release in December 2022 was met with widespread criticism. The Biden-Harris administration exchanged the convicted arms dealer for Griner, who had been imprisoned on drug charges in Russia. At the time, many argued that freeing a man who had sold arms to kill Americans was a grave security risk.

As these new developments surface, it becomes clear that the release of Viktor Bout may have empowered America’s enemies, and the consequences of that decision are now playing out on the world stage. With Bout back in the game, the Biden administration faces renewed scrutiny for prioritizing a politically expedient swap over national security.

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