U.S. authorities say American and European investigators have linked a suspected Russian arms dealer with clandestine weapons sales to Afghanistan's former Taleban rulers and possibly to al-Qaida terrorists.

The U.S. officials tell VOA that a man identified as Victor Bout, a former Soviet military officer, has shown up in documents discovered recently in Afghanistan by U.S.-led forces.

The Washington Post says an associate of Mr. Bout was arrested in Belgium earlier this month and has been providing U.S. officials with valuable information.

The associate, identified as Sanjivan Ruprah, has reportedly told U.S. officials about arms sales to the Taleban, al-Qaida terrorists, the Abu Sayyaf guerrilla movement in the Philippines and rebel forces in Africa.

According to the Post report, American, British and U.N. investigators consider Mr. Bout's arms operation, which is based in the United Arab Emirates, unique because of its ability to deliver sophisticated weapon systems virtually anywhere in the world.

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