Overview

• 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.