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.

Levant-Agencies

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.