The Russian arms dealer who was just released from U.S custody in exchange for WNBA star, Brittney Griner, has a sordid past to say the least. Viktor Bout, also known by his moniker the 'Merchant of Death' is a complicated villain, and one that Russia desperately wanted back on their own soil. 

He speaks 5 different languages.

At age 18 Bout joined the Soviet Army. He graduated from the Russian Military Institute of Foreign Languages. Bout became fluent in five different languages including French, Arabic, Persian (Farsi), English, and Portuguese. Some reports state that he can read up to 15 languages.

Bout is accused of selling weapons to terrorists.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, Bout had easy access to Soviet-era military equipment including planes, guns, and other weapons. He has been accused of selling weapons directly to terrorists, rebels, and other militant groups such as those in Rwanda, the Taliban, as well as Al Qaeda.

The U.S. captured Bout via a DEA sting operation in 2008.

While working out of Bangkok, Thailand, Bout mistakenly tried selling weapons to a DEA agent. After the undercover agent suggested that the weapons would be used to murder American pilots, Bout stated, "We have the same enemy." He was arrested on the spot.

Bout was convicted and sentenced to 25 years in U.S. prison.

In 2011 Bout was convicted in federal court on charges of conspiracy to sell weapons to a terrorist organization. In 2012 he was sentenced to 25 years in prison.

He was dubbed the 'Merchant of Death' in 2003 by Peter Hain.

British government minister, Peter Hain is credited with coining the nickname 'Merchant of Death.' During a United Nations report in 2003, Hain dropped the moniker referencing Bout's clientele and reputation.

'Lord of War' is said to be based on Viktor Bout's exploits.

Andrew Niccol's 2005 film, Lord of War starring Nicolas Cage, Ethan Hawke, and Jared Leto is said to be based on Bout's life. Cage portrays an arms dealer who is on the run from an INTERPOL agent.

Viktor Bout has a wife, Alla.

He and his wife, Alla have been married since 1992. The couple also have a 28-year-old daughter, Elizaveta. Both women prefer to stay out of the spotlight.

In the MCU, Tony Stark shares Bout's nickname, the 'Merchant of Death.'

The 'Merchant of Death' moniker doesn't just belong to Viktor Bout. In the 2008 film Iron Man, Tony Stark is dubbed the Merchant of Death for strikingly similar reasons. Stark has money, technology, and access to dangerous weapons that probably shouldn't go into the wrong hands.

Rumors of a Bout/Whelan trade arose in 2020.

It was reported in 2020, that Russia was possibly considering a trade for Bout (a prisoner that they've tried getting back since his conviction.) The U.S. was trying to bargain for the release of Marine Corps. veteran, Paul Whelan. Whelan was arrested in Russia on suspicion of spying. Those trade talks obviously fell through.

Viktor Bout traded for Brittney Griner

Although Russia has claimed they do not arrest U.S. citizens just for trade purposes, this one reeks of conspiracy. Brittney Griner, the WNBA star arrested for possession of marijuana is now back in the U.S. But at what cost? The 'Merchant of Death' is back on Russian soil, a free man.