Viktor Bout details swap with WNBA's Griner in first American interview since release
In 2011, Viktor Bout, a well-known Russian arms dealer, received a 25-year sentence from a federal court for multiple charges, including conspiracy to murder American citizens and officials, transportation of anti-aircraft missiles, and support for a terrorist organization. However, in 2022, he was released via a prisoner exchange for American basketball player Brittney Griner.
Griner, who plays for the WNBA team the Phoenix Mercury, was held at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport by customs officials On February 17, 2022, who claimed to have discovered cannabis in vape cartridges in her bags. She was on her way to play for UMMC Ekaterinburg, a Russian professional women's basketball team, during the WNBA offseason.
Griner pleaded guilty to drug charges and received a nine-year sentence in a Russian prison.
After lobbying efforts from President Biden, the WNBA, and the NBA, a prison exchange deal was made for her release. Victor Bout, who was closely following the case from a federal prison in Marion, Illinois, was part of the deal.
WNBA star focuses on health: Phoenix Mercury star Brittney Griner returns after mental health break
Bout can "relate" to Griner
In his interview with ESPN, Bout said that he was aware he was being swapped for the WNBA star when guards came to his cell with boxes on the morning of his release.
Bout recalled that he was woken by the guards knocking on his cell and being told, “Wake up and pack, you're leaving.”
In his first exclusive interview with American media, Bout said he related with Griner and understood the hardship she endured during her incarceration.
“I feel bad or sorry for any person who’s going to be used as a pawn, despite whether they committed something or not,” Bout told ESPN.
Bout revealed that he had a short exchange with Griner on the tarmac when being exchanged and “wished her luck” as they shook hands.
Who is Viktor Bout: Who is Viktor Bout, the arms dealer and 'Merchant of Death' freed in exchange for Brittney Griner?
Russian state media release footage of the Brittney Griner and Viktor Bout prisoner swap: https://t.co/TuMxKvMmmI pic.twitter.com/xVgtQjrGbf
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) December 8, 2022
Brittney Griner and the Phenix Mercury's last game of the 2023 regular season is Sunday, Sept. 10 at 12:00 p.m., PT, against the Las Vegas Aces.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: "Merchant of Death" Viktor Bout discusses Brittney Griner swap
