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After Alleged Embezzlement of More Than $110 Million, Youssef Qablawi Voluntarily Leaves His Office with His Personal Aide
Youssef Qablawi left his office as head of the Syrian Petroleum Company, accompanied by his aide, known as “Abu al-Ezz,” as criticism of the company’s performance mounts and calls grow for those responsible for the fuel crisis to be held accountable, according to the Syrian Observatory.
Criticism has focused on recurring fuel shortages and the poor quality of gasoline on the market. The circumstances surrounding Qablawi’s departure—and whether it was linked to an official administrative action—remain unclear.
The Observatory said that Deputy Energy Minister Ghiyath Diab, together with Riyad al-Jubassi and Akram Hammoudeh, is leading efforts to regain influence over decision-making within the company. This has raised questions about how officials are appointed, amid accusations that loyalty and personal connections, rather than competence and experience, guide appointments.
The Observatory also reported allegations that Qablawi embezzled more than $110 million. It said an investigation established the embezzlement of a somewhat smaller sum, while the party responsible for the full amount cited remains unclear. Critics have argued that the case raises suspicions of interference to shield him from accountability. These allegations and the details of the investigation could not be independently verified.
The claims require clarification from the relevant authorities, including publication of the official investigation findings, disclosure of the funds’ whereabouts, and identification of legal and administrative responsibility, while ensuring all parties have the right to respond.
