Viktor Bout, the infamous Russian arms dealer who was released in a 2022 prisoner swap for U.S. basketball star Brittney Griner, has taken steps to trademark his name for use in beverages.
According to RBC-Wine, Bout has applied to register his name, both in Cyrillic and the Latin transcription “Victor Bout,” as well as the phrase “Kroot Kak Boot” (“Tough as Bout”) with the Russian state trademark authority, Rospatent.
“Recently, I’ve noticed various products using my name, so I consulted with lawyers and decided to secure a trademark,” Bout told RBC-Wine. He mentioned that he currently has no plans to produce beverages under these trademarks, which cover both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, excluding beer.
Bout became internationally known following his 2008 arrest in Thailand during a U.S. sting operation, where he was accused of supplying weapons to rebels involved in some of the world’s most deadly conflicts. In 2012, after being extradited to the United States, he was tried and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
During his time in prison, Bout reportedly brewed kombucha, a type of fermented tea also known as “mushroom tea,” which gained popularity among inmates and wardens. However, he was placed in solitary confinement for 90 days after a disciplinary officer discovered traces of alcohol in the drink.
Since his release, Bout has joined Russia’s ultra-nationalist Liberal Democratic Party (LDPR) and now serves as a member of the legislative assembly in the Ulyanovsk region.
