French authorities are finalizing the transfer of approximately €32 million (about $37 million) from assets seized from Rifaat al-Assad, uncle of Bashar al-Assad, back to Syria for civilian reconstruction projects.
The funds stem from the 2016 sale of luxury Paris properties owned by Rifaat, who was convicted in absentia of embezzling Syrian public money during his time as vice president in the 1980s. Syrian transitional officials negotiated the repatriation with France, emphasizing use for humanitarian needs like healthcare and infrastructure in war-torn areas. Rifaat, who died in late January 2026 after exile in London since 1984 and loss of French citizenship in 2017, had long contested the assets as legitimately acquired. French courts rejected his claims, ordering the proceeds preserved for Syria after deducting legal fees.
The deal marks a rare post-Assad cooperation between Paris and Damascus, signaling France's support for Syria's stabilization efforts. Rifaat's representatives called the move politically motivated, while Syrian sources hailed it as justice for plundered national wealth. The funds could aid thousands through targeted programs amid Syria's economic crisis. Implementation details remain under discussion, with oversight mechanisms to ensure transparency. This follows similar asset recovery pushes against other Assad-era figures.
