Syrian Spy Network in Netherlands Exposed: Mazen al-Hammada Documented Victim
Scale of Money Paid to Spies Proves Former Regime's Investment in Massive Resources to Pursue Opponents Abroad Instead of Improving Syrians' Conditions
January 9, 2025, 11:06 pm

Syrian Spy Network in Netherlands Exposed: Mazen al-Hammada Documented Victim

سوريون يحيون ذكرى مرور 12 عاماً على انتفاضتهم ضد النظام

Journalistic investigations by a local Dutch website revealed details about a Syrian spy network active in the Netherlands, operating from a luxurious villa in the residential area of De Kwekerij in Maarssen-Dorp, which led to the murder of Syrian opposition figure Mazen al-Hammada.

Investigations highlighted the role of spy Majed A., who feigned seeking refuge in the Netherlands in 2014, later managing a furniture store in Nieuwe Fellenord, Eindhoven, as a front for intelligence activities.

Leaked banking data showed Majed A. received approximately 800,000 euros over three years for services to Syrian intelligence, with funds transferred through four Dutch companies between 2019 and 2021.

A defector from Syrian paramilitary forces revealed details of a secret investigation, exposing Majed A. as a "contractor" rather than an intelligence officer, seeking to prove loyalty to the former regime by targeting opposition members in Europe.

The investigations emphasized the role of Mohammed al-Samouri, associated with the "embassy mafia", who previously worked as intelligence chief in London before moving to the Syrian "European Union Mission" in Brussels, facilitating al-Hammada's entrapment by issuing a forged passport.

Leaked documents reveal intriguing details about the spy network's operational mechanism, including a secret contract between Majed A. and an intermediary in English referencing "finding victims" for 7,000 euros, excluding VAT.

Analysts suggest the intelligence network's success in operating within the Netherlands raises questions about surveillance effectiveness regarding suspicious refugee activities, especially with Majed A. purchasing a luxury Mercedes worth 122,800 euros without arousing authorities' suspicions.

Opposition sources suggest al-Hammada's case might be one of many undiscovered instances, calling for an international investigation into Syrian intelligence networks in Europe.

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”