Accused arms dealer’s extradition on hold

The delay stems from a second set of charges Washington filed against Bout as a precautionary measure to secure his extradition, a move that is now stalling the process and could even scuttle it if there are long legal delays.

The criminal court said it would rule today on whether Bout should face extradition on the new charges of money laundering and wire fraud, noting the decision can be appealed.

Bout, a 43-year-old former Soviet Air Force officer, is reputed to be one of the world’s most prolific arms dealers. He has been jailed in Bangkok since March 2008, when a US-led sting operation ended years of searching for the elusive Russian who has been referred to as “The Merchant of Death.’’

Bout said the latest ruling would give him more time to battle the US extradition request.

The case has plunged Thailand into a diplomatic dilemma, with Washington demanding Bout’s extradition to face terrorism charges and Moscow demanding his release, saying Bout is an innocent businessman. Analysts say Bout has knowledge of Russia’s military and intelligence operations and Moscow does not want him to go on trial.