U.S. authorities say a reputed Russian arms dealer under investigation for selling weapons in Afghanistan may have sold fake nuclear material to al-Qaida terrorists.

The authorities say they are not certain that Victor Bout sold Osama bin Laden containers of fake material found at abandoned al-Qaida cites in Afghanistan. But they say their suspicions are aroused by the suspect's ties to Russian mafia groups known for elaborate scams involving such sales.

Authorities say containers so far recovered at abandoned al-Qaida sites did not contain weapons-grade material, despite their markings.

U.S. and European investigators say al-Qaida documents naming Victor Bout, a former Soviet military officer, were discovered recently in Afghanistan by U.S.-led forces.

The Washington Post reports Tuesday that 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.

The Washington Post report says U.S., 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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