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Qatar Mediation Brings Hamcho Back to Damascus Despite Sanctions.. Former Regime's Financier
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Acceptance of Former Regime Figures' Return Raises Questions About Seriousness of Change in Syria and New Regime's Ability to Achieve Transitional Justice
Damascus sources reported the return of businessman Mohammad Hamcho, the economic front for Maher al-Assad, to the Syrian capital a month after fleeing following the fall of the previous regime on December 8th.
Damascus Chamber of Commerce sources told "Erm News" that Hamcho entered via Beirut airport through Qatari mediation, pledging to pay one billion dollars to the Syrian public treasury in exchange for his return.
Hamcho (58) was known as Maher al-Assad's economic front, with a close relationship that granted him massive privileges and deals that made him one of Syria's wealthiest individuals.
Hamcho rose to prominence in the 1990s, starting in telecommunications and computer sectors in collaboration with his study friend Mudar Hijjeh, son of the then-Air Force commander.
His name and family members topped US sanctions lists under the Caesar Act, with Washington accusing him of financing the Syrian war, stating: "During the unrest, Hamcho aligned his fate with Bashar al-Assad, Maher al-Assad, and other officials responsible for violence and intimidation against the Syrian people".
Recent indicators suggested the Syrian administration seeks to attract Syrian businessmen from inside and outside the country, with the Syrian leadership receiving several businessmen at the People's Palace in Damascus, including Lababai al-Ikhwan, which angered Syrians.
Levant-Agencies
