Kuwaiti businessman and former MP who was vocally supportive of the Assad regime.

Former first lady of Syria married to Bashar al-Assad. Born and raised in London to Syrian parents. She was placed under sanctions by the EU in 2012 and later by the UK in 2020 and 2025.

Led Syria from 2000 until he was overthrown in 2024. His rule was characterised by a continuation of his father’s authoritarian style. He was placed under sanctions by the US, UK and EU.

Division of the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) led by Maher al-Assad, involved in paramilitary action such as warlord structures and organized crime – further research for example from the New Lines Institute, 2023 or the AFP, 2025.

Led Syria from 1971 until his death in 2000, when he was succeeded by his son. His rule was highly centralised and authoritarian.

Syrian businessman and brother of Rami Makhlouf. He was sanctioned by the US, UK and EU for violence against the civilian population during the Syrian uprisings and for helping his brother evade sanctions.

The youngest of Hafez al-Assad’s brothers, and father of Fawaz al-Assad and Munzir al-Assad, both reportedly involved in smuggling and corruption.
Founder of the Al-Sahel Customs Clearance Company, which operated branches at land and sea border crossings.

Syrian former military officer who served as commander of the Syrian Army’s elite 4th Armoured Division and brother of Bashar al-Assad.

A prominent businessman accused of profiting from Syria’s destruction through the scrap metal trade and operating as a front for Maher al-Assad. He has been under Western sanctions since 2011.

Syrian businessman and maternal cousin of Bashar al-Assad. He was placed under sanctions by the US, UK and EU for alleged involvement in corruption and for providing financial support to the Syrian government and its violence against civilians.

Syrian businessperson involved in the production and trafficking of Captagon, especially from the port of Latakia.