Bout's wife claims legitimate business

His wife Alla Bout, who identified herself as a 45-year-old fashion designer, Tuesday supported his claim that he has done nothing wrong.

The wife of accused Russian arms smuggler Viktor Bout has testified that he is an honest businessman who ran a legitimate air cargo business.

Mr Bout, 42, a former Soviet air force officer dubbed "The Merchant of Death'', is alleged to be one of the world's most prolific arms dealers.

He was arrested in Bangkok a year ago and faces extradition to the United States at a hearing at the Bangkok Criminal Court scheduled to end this week.

"I believe my husband does honest business,'' she told the court. "We have been together 17 years. There is no reason for me to believe he has done anything illegal.''

Mr Bout was caught after a sting operation involving US agents who posed as rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.

US prosecutors say Mr Bout was offering a deadly arsenal of weapons, including more than 700 surface-to-air missiles, thousands of guns, high-tech helicopters and airplanes outfitted with grenade launchers and missiles.

He has been indicted on four terrorism-related charges in New York and could face a maximum penalty of life in prison.