Bashar al-Assad Secretly Transferred $250 Million to Russia During Syrian Civil War

The ousted Syrian president funneled large sums of cash to Moscow between 2018 and 2019, revealing deep financial ties with Russia during the conflict.

Bashar al-Assad's regime sent $250 million in cash to Russia over 21 flights between March 2018 and September 2019, using $100 and €500 notes.
The cash was deposited in Russian banks, including those tied to Rosoboronexport, the state arms exporter, bypassing Western sanctions on Syria.
The funds were reportedly used to sustain Assad's regime during the Syrian Civil War, as Russian military support helped repel rebel forces near Damascus.
Assad and his inner circle allegedly profited from illicit activities such as drug trafficking and fuel smuggling to finance their government and personal wealth.
Assad fled Syria earlier this month after rebel forces led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham advanced on Damascus, and he has since been granted asylum in Russia.