Assad Allegedly Transferred $135 Billion to Russia Before Fleeing, Claims Former Intelligence Officer

Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad is reported to have illegally transferred $135 billion to Russia before fleeing to Moscow, according to Khalid Bey, a former intelligence officer for the ousted Syrian regime, speaking to the Turkish newspaper Turkiye Gazetesi.

Assad’s reign came to an end on Sunday, December 8, when rebel forces stormed the capital, Damascus, and ousted the president, taking control of the country. The removal of Assad was met with widespread celebration among Syrians both in the country and abroad. In Damascus, rebels and civilians ransacked the dictator’s palaces, where videos surfaced showing his extravagant lifestyle, including a large car collection that featured a Ferrari F50. Following his departure, Assad sought refuge in Russia.

Major Bey claimed that Assad had smuggled $135 billion to Russia, though he did not provide any specific details about how the transfer was carried out. Bey also discussed internal tensions within Assad’s military, specifically the conflict between pro-Russian and pro-Iranian factions. He described a key battle between General Muhammad Safadli, a commander loyal to Assad, and General Suheil Hassan, a pro-Russian officer. Bey suggested that the ensuing defeat, starting with the fall of Aleppo, was a pivotal factor in the opposition’s advance towards Damascus.