Russian businessman Viktor But, accused of smuggling weapons in the U.S., told the RIA Novosti agency that U.S. authorities had offered him a deal with the investigation: a more lenient sentence and a lower prison term in exchange for testimony about his contacts in Russia and other countries.

 

Questions to But, who is in the New York prison, together with his answers have been transmitted through the Russian Vice-Consul Alexander Otchaynov, who regularly visits the businessman.

But was arrested in Bangkok in March 2008 at the request of the U.S., where he has been accused of arms trafficking, conspiracy to murder U.S. nationals and supporting terrorism. He denies the accusations and says that he never traded arms and had no contact with terrorists. In November, the Thai authorities deliver But to Washington.

\\\"I was offered a more lenient sentence, shorter term and opportunity to move my family to the United States, if I tell everything about my connections in Russia and other countries. But I answered that I had nothing to tell them: I do not know anything they inquired of\\\", Victor But said.

However, according to him, he does not suffer any pressure by the U.S. authorities.

Source: www.newsru.com on 02/01/2011