A U.S.-Syrian citizen has been convicted of conspiring with Russian international arms dealer Viktor Bout to buy aircraft in violation of restrictions imposed by the U.S. government.
The jury in a U.S. federal court in New York City also found Richard Chichakli guilty on December 13 of money laundering and other charges. He is scheduled to be sentenced in March.
Prosecutors said Chichakli helped Bout manage a network of aircraft companies.
Chichakli has acknowledged knowing Bout, but has denied any wrongdoing.
Bout is serving a 25-year sentence in U.S. prison following a 2011 conviction on charges he conspired to sell millions of dollars of weapons to rebels in Colombia.
U.S. authorities accused Bout of transporting weapons to some of the world’s deadliest war zones, including Afghanistan.
The jury in a U.S. federal court in New York City also found Richard Chichakli guilty on December 13 of money laundering and other charges. He is scheduled to be sentenced in March.
Prosecutors said Chichakli helped Bout manage a network of aircraft companies.
Chichakli has acknowledged knowing Bout, but has denied any wrongdoing.
Bout is serving a 25-year sentence in U.S. prison following a 2011 conviction on charges he conspired to sell millions of dollars of weapons to rebels in Colombia.
U.S. authorities accused Bout of transporting weapons to some of the world’s deadliest war zones, including Afghanistan.
