Assad Linked to Secret Flights Transferring Cash, Documents, and Relatives Before Regime’s Fall — Reuters

Four covert flights were used to move cash, documents, and relatives of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad out of the country, Orda.kz reports, citing Reuters.

According to Reuters, citing more than a dozen sources, including former intelligence officials, airport staff, and individuals close to the former president, Assad arranged the flights shortly before the fall of his regime to transfer assets linked to his financial network abroad.

The operation was reportedly overseen by Yassar Ibrahim, Assad’s top economic adviser, who the U.S. has accused of building a network to evade sanctions.

The Embraer Legacy 600 aircraft used in the operation was registered in Gambia and made four round trips between Damascus and Abu Dhabi over a two-day span. One flight also passed through Russia’s Khmeimim military base.

It was from there that Assad fled to Russia on December 8, 2024.

Sources said the flights transported members of Assad’s family, staff from the presidential palace, and various assets, including at least $500,000 in cash on some flights, along with laptops, hard drives, and documents related to property and financial holdings. 

The transfers were coordinated with the Syrian Republican Guard and intelligence services.

The company that provided the plane is linked to Lebanese businessman Mohamad Wehbe, but he denies involvement in the flights to Syria.

Reuters noted it was unable to independently verify who organized or oversaw the movement of assets and passengers.

Previous reports indicate that Syria’s new government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, called on Russia to extradite Assad and his inner circle and demanded compensation.

Russia has stated it is ready to cooperate with the new authorities in its path to recovery. Putin had held a call with his Syrian counterpart back in February, confirming support.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov