The Russian arms suspect known as the "Merchant of Death" is now in United States custody facing terrorism charges.

Viktor Bout, 43, is accused of supplying weapons that fueled civil wars in South america, the Middle East, and Africa. He faces charges that he supported terrorists trying to overthrow the government of Colombia and shared their hatred for Americans.

"The so-called Merchant of Death is now a federal inmate," U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. "No one is beyond the reach of the law."

Bout, a former Soviet military officer and air cargo executive, was flown from Thailand to a suburban New York airport Tuesday

He pleased not guilty before a federal court in New York, Wednesday.

U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder said that Bout was considered "one of the world's most prolific arms traffickers."

Bout was the inspiration for the Nicolas Cage film, "Lord of War."