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How Wassem Assad Was Included and Arrested... Full Details
A recording reportedly attributed to Wassem Assad, cousin of former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, has circulated on social media. The recording features Wassem requesting the current Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, in order to regularize his legal status, similar to fugitives like Fadi Saqr, Mohammed Hamsho, and others accused of crimes during the era of the toppled Assad regime.
Activists circulated information that Wassem Assad sought safety from the current government, and after obtaining it, he returned from Lebanon to Syria through the Tell Kalakh border area. However, upon his arrival, he was arrested. Amid ongoing debate, the Syrian Ministry of Interior revealed details of the arrest operation.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Interior, Nour al-Din Al-Baba, stated on Saturday, June 21, that the security operation that resulted in the detention of Wassem Assad lasted six months, in cooperation with the General Intelligence Service. Multiple methods were employed, including social engineering, technical approaches, legal and human rights aspects, as well as public relations and communication.
He added that the operation was complex, involving both security and non-security disciplines. He explained that his entrapment and arrest were carried out by specialized executive agencies, and he has been referred to prison awaiting a fair trial.
Al-Baba did not confirm or deny the involvement of Arab parties in Wassem Assad’s arrest, simply noting that a person of his stature, with extensive connections and networks beyond borders, might have benefited from his detention, especially considering he is accused of multiple sources, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms trade.
The Ministry of Interior plans to commence legal investigations and transfer the case to the judiciary and the Ministry of Justice. The competent authorities will handle the legal proceedings. Al-Baba clarified that the accusations against Wassem go beyond politics; they include a criminal record with ongoing crimes. However, the entire family, including his brothers, is heavily involved in corruption and crime.
Wassem Badi’ Assad, born in 1980 in Syria, hails from the family of deposed President Bashar Assad. He gained notoriety during the revolution for his involvement in smuggling and drug trafficking networks, particularly captagon, as well as for his business activities characterized by corruption and abuse of influence. His actions have sparked widespread controversy regarding his role in the Syrian economy and his impact on the country’s political and economic landscape.
