Official statements from the Russian government or reports in major international news outlets

Assad Airlifted $250 Million in Cash to Moscow in 21 Shipments Weighing Two Tons

Dec 16, 2024, 06:30 AM

Between 2018 and 2019, Bashar al-Assad's regime reportedly airlifted approximately $250 million in cash to Moscow, primarily in $100 bills and €500 notes. This operation involved 21 shipments, with the total weight of the banknotes nearing two tons. The funds were transferred via Syria's central bank to sanctioned Russian banks during a period when Assad was indebted to Russia for military support. Additionally, records indicate that during this time, members of Assad's family were involved in acquiring luxury properties in Russia, further complicating the financial dealings amid ongoing Western sanctions against the regime. The Financial Times uncovered these details through an analysis of banking records, highlighting the extent of Assad's financial maneuvers to maintain ties with Moscow while managing his regime's financial crises.