-
Qatar Mediation Brings Hamcho Back to Damascus Despite Sanctions.. Former Regime's Financier
-
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
You May Also Like
Popular Posts
Caricature
BENEFIT Sponsors BuildHer...
- April 23, 2025
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.”
opinion
Report
ads
Newsletter
Subscribe to our mailing list to get the new updates!