MANNIN/ISLE OF MAN: 'MERCHANT OF DEATH' - ANY MANX LINKS QUERY?
The Celtic League have asked the Chief Minister of the Isle of Man if an International arms dealer, once dubbed by a British Minister as a 'Merchant of Death' and currently the subject of US extradition efforts in Thailand, has had any links with the Isle of Man.
Several years ago a UN report alleged that Viktor Bout was the mastermind behind most illegal arms shipments to Africa. Many of these were carried by an air transport company first registered in Ireland by company formation agents, who set up the company on behalf of an Isle of Man company, which has subsequently been dissolved.
"The Isle of Man Chief Minister Mr Tony Brown MHK Government Offices Douglas Isle of Man
21 November 2008
Dear Chief Minister,
I write with reference to the current proceedings underway in Thailand in which United States authorities are seeking the extradition of a Russian national and International arms dealer, Victor Bout, to the United States.
Can you advise if Mr Bout or his associates have utilised companies in the Isle of Man to facilitate their arms trading either by arranging the transfer of payments for weaponry or the establishment and maintenance of air transport companies to transfer them to centres of conflict.
Yours sincerely
J B Moffatt"
Link to UN Security Council Report here with references to Bout and others with Isle of Man links:
J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League 21/11/08
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