Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Bashar Assad’s Uncle under Investigation in France for Tax Fraud, Money Laundry | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
Select Page
Media ID: 55353518
Caption:

Rifaat al-Assad / Reuters


London –French judge opened an official formal investigation in accusations against Rifaat al-Assad, uncle of Syrian Regime President Bashar al-Assad, a source said.

Rifaat Assad is an opponent of his nephew’s regime.

Rifaat is accused of tax fraud and money-laundering. The source informed that the latter is suspected of having acquired his wealth in France illegally. He was put under investigation on June 9 after an interrogation with a French financial judge and was also banned from leaving France apart from trips to London for health reasons.

Two anti-corruption associations filed complaints against him in 2013. French authorities began looking into whether there was evidence of corruption, bribery and money-laundering in 2014.