Russia’s Notorious Arms Dealer Viktor Bout Is Accused of Selling Weapons to Yemen Houthis

Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout, sentenced to 25 years in the US and exchanged in 2022, is now acting as a broker for weapons sales to Yemen's Houthi rebels, supported by Iran, according to The Wall Street Journal.

In August 2024, when the Yemeni Houthis traveled to Moscow to buy $10 million worth of Russian weapons, Bout acted as the intermediary, according to WSJ. New York attorney Steve Zissou, who represented Bout in the US, did not confirm his involvement but noted that allowing Bout to sell weapons to the Houthis—an adversary of the US—would be similar to Americans supplying arms to Ukraine.

Bout spent decades selling Soviet-made arms across Africa, South America, and the Middle East. Arrested in 2008 and sentenced in 2011, he was released in a 2022 prisoner swap for American basketball player Brittney Griner. The White House called this a difficult decision, with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stating the US would monitor any potential threats from Bout.

After his release, Bout joined a pro-Kremlin far-right party and became a commentator on Russian television, often criticizing the US for allegedly undermining Russia. He has been referenced in Russian media as an arms trade expert.

If the Houthis receive anti-ship or anti-aircraft missiles from Russia, it could threaten US forces protecting vessels in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks, reports WSJ. However, the White House has not confirmed Bout's involvement or any arms deliveries.

The Wall Street Journal adds that the initial shipments are expected to mainly include AK-74 rifles, along with discussions about other potential sales like Kornet anti-tank missiles and anti-aircraft systems. Deliveries could begin as early as October to the port of Hodeidah, disguised as food shipments, as Russia has already supplied grain to the region.