Syria's former dictator, Bashar al-Assad, airlifted approximately £200 million in cash to Moscow over a two-year period before fleeing his war-torn country.
This revelation comes amidst the ongoing Syrian civil war, which has seen Assad's regime increasingly reliant on Russian support.
According to records uncovered by the Financial Times, Assad's regime conducted 21 flights between March 2018 and September 2019, transporting vast sums of money to Vnukovo Airport in Moscow. These funds were deposited in Russian banks, a move that helped the regime circumvent Western sanctions.
"The shipments came at a time when Syria was dependent on Russia's military support," reported the Financial Times.
The cash transfers were facilitated by the Syrian central bank, which had to resort to such measures due to depleted foreign reserves and international sanctions.
A source familiar with the bank's operations stated, "When a country is completely surrounded and sanctioned, they have only cash." Assad's financial maneuvers have drawn criticism from both international observers and former loyalists, who view his escape to Moscow as an act of self-interest.
The dictator's family reportedly invested in luxury properties in Moscow, further fueling allegations of looting Syria's wealth.
The collapse of Assad's regime was marked by a major offensive led by opposition forces, including Tahrir al-Sham and the Turkish-backed Syrian National Army.
Rebel soldiers declared victory in Damascus, signaling the end of Assad's 24-year rule. As the situation in Syria continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful of the implications of Assad's actions and the future of the region.
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