Judge To Rule On British Alleged Arms Dealer Bail

Published March 5, 2012 9:09AM (EST)

EL PASO, Texas (AP) — A federal judge in west Texas is expected to rule on whether to release a British businessman on bail after he was accused of trying to sell missile batteries to Iran.

The U.S. attorney's office says 65-year-old Christopher Tappin poses a risk to the community because he might continue trying to sell weapons and might flee if released.

Tappin's attorneys assured that he'd comply with any measures the court sets for his release.

Tappin surrendered to U.S. marshals and was escorted to Texas last week after fighting extradition from the United Kingdom for two years. He's accused of trying to buy batteries for surface-to-air Hawk missiles for $25,000 from undercover American agents with the intention of exporting them to Iran. Two other men have been convicted in the case.


By Salon Staff

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