Syria has removed the Assad family from its banknotes as part of a currency relaunch, signaling a move towards economic reform and possibly aiming to modernize its currency and reduce familial political influence.
A joint investigation by BBC News Arabic and OCCRP has revealed new direct links between the multi-billion dollar Captagon drug trade and leading members of the Syrian Armed Forces and President Bashar al-Assad's family. Captagon is a highly addictive amphetamine-like drug that has plagued the Middle East in recent years. The investigation found evidence indicating the involvement of other senior Syrian officials in addition to those already included in the list of people suspected of involvement in the Captagon trade. The drug is being found in Europe, Africa and Asia. Syria's government has previously denied any involvement in the drugs trade.