How did Bashar al-Assad move his assets to Russia? '$250 million in 21 flights...'

It has been stated that Syria's former leader Bashar al-Assad carried out money transfers to Moscow during his administration.

The Financial Times (FT) revealed that between 2018 and 2019, the Central Bank of Syria sent over 250 million dollars in cash from Syria, which was under Assad's rule, to Moscow. This money was transported to Russia in a total of 21 flights.

MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN CASH CARRIED ON EVERY FLIGHT

It was claimed that large sums were carried on every flight of Assad's. It was disclosed that in one flight in 2019, 10 million dollars in 100-dollar bills were sent, and in another flight, 20 million euros in 500-euro bills were sent. According to FT data, a total of 2 tons of euros and over 250 million dollars in cash were delivered to Moscow.

SITUATION IN SYRIA WORSENED, BUT CASH TRANSFERS CONTINUED

The Central Bank of Syria continued these money transfers even though its foreign exchange reserves were on the verge of depletion.

Large quantities of 100-dollar and 500-euro bills were shipped to Moscow's Vnukovo Airport. The FT alleged that this cash was deposited into Russian banks and that the Assad family purchased luxury real estate in Moscow.

RECORDS BETWEEN 2012-2018 COULD NOT BE FOUND

Stating that records regarding Syria's money transfers between 2012 and 2018 could not be accessed, the Financial Times indicated that transfers made during that period were concealed and that cash continued to flow to Russia.

THE ASSAD FAMILY'S DEPARTURE TO MOSCOW

Finally, with the collapse of the Assad regime on December 8, 2024, Russia granted asylum to Assad and his family.

Assad left Syria with his family and went to Moscow, where he began to live.