As his opponents closed in on Damascus, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, who ruled with an iron grip for 24 years, used a private jet to transport valuable assets, cash, and confidential documents outlining the network behind his wealth. Yasar Ibrahim, Assad's chief economic adviser, arranged for the jet, which made four flights to the UAE carrying Assad's valuables, family, aides, and palace staff, according to sources speaking to Reuters.

Ibrahim, who controlled Assad’s economic office, was crucial in setting up a network of entities to manage Assad's control over Syria’s economy, often acting as a front for the regime. These operations were under scrutiny due to U.S. sanctions on Assad and Ibrahim. The jet, an Embraer Legacy 600 registered in Gambia, completed its trips in the 48 hours leading up to the regime’s collapse.

The plane carried bags of unmarked cash—at least $500,000—along with key documents, laptops, and hard drives containing intelligence about "The Group," the term used by Assad’s inner circle for his corporate network spanning industries like banking, telecom, and real estate. On Dec 6, as rebels advanced on Damascus, the Embraer jet landed at Damascus International Airport. Syrian Air Force Intelligence, led by Brigadier-General Ghadeer Ali, secured the area as vehicles from Assad's Republican Guard, tasked with protecting him, approached the plane.

The jet made multiple trips to the UAE, with one flight on Dec 7 carrying both cash and sensitive information about Assad's business network. UAE embassy cars were seen near the plane, suggesting the country was aware of the operation. On Dec 8, as Assad fled to Russia, the jet made a final stop at the Russian military base in Hmeimim, carrying a close associate of Ibrahim, Ahmed Khalil, who was under Western sanctions for aiding Assad’s regime. He was carrying $500,000 in cash, withdrawn from the Syria International Islamic Bank.

The jet was leased from Lebanese businessman Mohamad Wehbe, who denied involvement, although records show the plane was registered in Gambia. Although the operation has not been widely reported, sources familiar with the scheme, including former intelligence officers, confirmed details of the mission to move Assad’s assets before his regime fell.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.