The star witness against accused Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout is taking center stage in the federal trial in New York.

On Wednesday, Andrew Smulian recounted a key Moscow meeting with the defendant. Authorities say the meeting set up negotiations with informants posing as South American terrorists.

Smulian is a South African arrested with Bout in Bangkok in March 2008 on conspiracy charges.

The case stems from a sting operation led by U.S. narcotics agents.

Smulian pleaded guilty and is cooperating with the government to win a reduced prison sentence.

He testified Wednesday that he saw Bout in Moscow in January 2008.

He says they met to arrange the delivery of anti-aircraft missile systems and other weapons to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.