Viktor Bout joined the ranks of the Liberal Democratic Party

This was announced in his telegram channel by party leader Leonid Slutsky, who handed Bout a party card. He promised to invite him to the State Duma.

“I want to thank Viktor Anatolyevich for his decision and accept him into the ranks of the best political party in today's Russia - into the ranks of the LDPR party”, - Kommersant quoted Slutsky as saying.

Viktor Bout was detained in Bangkok in 2008. He was accused of illegal arms dealing. In 2010, he was extradited to the United States, where two years later he was sentenced to 25 years in prison . He served his sentence in an American prison . He did not admit his guilt.

Booth's exchange for basketball player Brittney Griner took place on December 8 at Abu Dhabi Airport. Greiner was sentenced in Russia in August of this year. An American was given nine years for drug smuggling: hash oil was found in her electronic cigarette at Sheremetyevo Airport. Before the exchange, Victor Bout and Brittney Griner were pardoned. Upon their return, they will not have to serve their sentences in their countries.