 Mr Lakhani (right) was one of three men arrested in a sting |
A Briton held in the US on suspicion of trying to sell anti-aircraft missiles is facing new charges, including plotting to obtain a "dirty bomb". On Thursday Hemant Lakhani, 68, was also accused of offering to obtain tanks, armoured personnel carriers, anti-aircraft guns and radar systems.
Mr Lakhani, who was born in India, has been held since August, after being arrested by an FBI sting operation.
He allegedly tried to sell a shoulder-fired missile imported from Russia.
Biggest impact
Announcing the new charges against Mr Lakhani, New Jersey prosecutors said he had offered to procure a "dirty bomb" - a rudimentary device using radioactive materials.
It had already been claimed that he eventually planned to sell his 'customer' 50 anti-aircraft missiles and Thursday's statement alleged that he discussed how to best "terrorise" Americans with them.
It said Mr Lakhani, an arms dealer, suggested the biggest impact would be achieved "if 10 to 15 commercial aircraft were shot down simultaneously across the country".
Mr Lakhani was also charged with one count of "attempting to provide material support to terrorists", a crime that carries a maximum of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 (�141,000) fine if he is found guilty.
The indictment contained several other charges that carry possible prison terms of between two and 20 years.
Security operation
Mr Lakhani will appear in court within the next few days, US Attorney Christopher Christie said.
The Londoner was arrested at Newark Airport following a security operation involving agencies from the United States, Britain and Russia.
Two other men, New York jeweller Yehuda Abraham, and Moinudden Ahmed Hameed, were also charged.
Prosecutors have described both as being financial middlemen who did not know transactions involved illegal weapons.
Military custody
In an unrelated case, the US authorities were told on Thursday that they do not have the power to detain an American citizen seized on US soil as an "enemy combatant".
The federal appeals court said "dirty bomb" suspect Jose Padilla - being held by presidential decree - should be released from military custody.
But the judges added that the US Government was free to transfer him to civilian jurisdiction.
The ruling is being seen as a setback for Mr Bush's anti-terror policies.
Mr Padilla is thought to be the only US citizen since World War II to be detained on a presidential order
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