In recent years, dictator Bashir al-Assad has delivered two tonnes of cash to Russia, which is $250 million
Bashar al-Assad's central bank transferred about $250 million in cash to Moscow in 2018-2019.
Here's What We Know
FT journalists have uncovered records showing that the Assad regime smuggled almost two tonnes of cash in 100 and 500 euro notes to Russia's Vnukovo airport in 2018-2019. The transfers took place at a time when Syria was critically short of foreign currency due to sanctions. In particular, the funds were sent to two Russian banks under US sanctions.
During this time, 21 flights were made, with more than $250 million transported on board. In Syria itself, according to the source, there was an acute shortage of foreign currency during this period - the reserves were "almost zero".
The FT's interlocutors note that the sanctions forced the Syrian bank to make payments in cash. Thus, Syria bought wheat from Russia, paid for the printing of new Syrian banknotes and defence spending.
As a reminder, Bashar al-Assad fled Damascus by plane on 8 December. The dictator's wife and children were already waiting for him in Moscow.
Source: FT
