Documented reports and authenticated documents reveal that more than 600 billion Syrian pounds were classified as "systematic corruption" at the Homs and Baniyas refineries, through organized smuggling of diesel fuel under the cover of using VGO.
According to information and documents reviewed by Zaman al-Wasl, huge quantities of diesel fuel were mixed with VGO before being smuggled to Aleppo and sold there under the direct supervision of Muhammad al-Saeed, commander of the Liwa al-Quds militia, who controlled administrative and executive decisions at both refineries.
Estimates indicate that millions of liters of diesel fuel exited the two refineries illegally, while supply and equipment tenders witnessed clear manipulation of estimated values and contracts, with "imaginary" figures reported that were inconsistent with market realities or production requirements.
Most of the operations were carried out under the direct administrative cover of figures loyal to Assad, and in coordination with the Liwa al-Quds. (Names have not been mentioned to protect the integrity of the official investigation, should it be carried out.)
Before the fall of the regime, the Ministry of Oil began conducting preliminary investigations, which resulted in the arrest of a number of employees and those involved. However, influential business figures quickly intervened in an attempt to "cover up" the case and close the file.
After the liberation and fall of the regime on December 8, 2024, many of those involved fled, while some returned to their administrative positions, attempting to appear "unconcerned."
Recently, some of those involved have sought to conceal official documents related to the case from within the two refineries, with the aim of evading accountability and obstructing any claim for the recovery of public funds. The relevant committees, however, confirm that all of this information is accurately documented, and that there are active attempts to obscure the facts and conceal the extent of the damage to state property.
This case presents the Syrian government and public with a new model of what took place in state institutions under the previous regime. It also opens the door to holding those involved accountable and recovering public funds, given that this case cannot be expunged by a statute of limitations or covered up.
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