The shocking disclosure about Syrian ousted President Bashar al-Assad came that during the Syrian Civil War. Assad’s government airlifted almost $250 million in cash to Moscow between 2018 and 2019 highlights the growing financial ties between Syria and Russia.
The deals, which involved over two tonnes of $100 and €500 notes, demonstrate the extent to which Assad’s government went in order to get under Western sanctions and ensure its continued existence with Kremlin backing.
Russia became a crucial military and financial ally as the Assad administration experienced growing economic difficulty and isolation. Assad was able to hold onto power by depending on Russian military assistance, notably mercenary assistance from the Wagner organization.
However, money was also traveling from Russia to Syria in addition to military supplies. A plane carrying $10 million in $100 bills touched down in Moscow in May 2019. The central bank also transported €20 million in €500 notes earlier that year.
