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Assad Airlifted $250 Million Cash in 21 Shipments to Moscow Over Two Years Amid Sanctions

Dec 16, 2024, 09:20 AM

Bashar al-Assad's regime reportedly airlifted approximately $250 million in cash to Moscow between March 2018 and September 2019, as revealed by documents reviewed by the Financial Times. The funds, primarily in $100 bills and €500 notes, were sent in 21 shipments, weighing nearly two tons, to sanctioned Russian banks. This transfer occurred during a period when Syria faced severe foreign currency shortages due to Western sanctions, and Assad was indebted to Russia for military support. Additionally, during this timeframe, members of Assad's family were involved in acquiring luxury properties in Russia, indicating a deepening financial connection between the two nations amid the ongoing Syrian Civil War.