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Atef Nadaf: From Governing Provinces and Holding Ministerial Posts to Asset Seizure and a Freeze on Funds
Sources told *Zaman al-Wasl* that the Syrian authorities have imposed a precautionary seizure on Atef Nadaf’s movable and immovable assets, as well as those belonging to members of his family, and have banned him from traveling.
Nadaf, who was born in the Damascus countryside in 1956, is considered one of the most prominent officials to have held a succession of administrative, executive, and ministerial positions in Syria. He holds a degree in dentistry from Kyiv University and previously held political and party-related positions, including membership in the People’s Assembly and organizational roles within the institutions of the Baath Party.
Nadaf held a number of government positions, most notably:
- Governor of Idlib from 2005 to 2009.
- Governor of Tartus from February 2009 to July 2012.
- Governor of Suwayda from July 2012 to July 2016.
- Minister of Higher Education from July 2016 to November 2018.
- Minister of Internal Trade and Consumer Protection from November 2018 to September 2020.
The decision to seize the assets of Nadaf and his family and impose a travel ban comes amid measures targeting a number of former officials, while discussions continue over alleged cases involving corruption, abuse of influence, and the mismanagement of public funds. The nature of the allegations and the detailed legal grounds on which the authorities based the decision have not yet been clarified.
