News / Syria

Former Jaish al-Islam leader stole millions, launches businesses in Turkey & Saudi Arabia: Report

Sunday, 06 May 2018 4:59 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 06 May 2018 5:30 PM ]

Mohammed Alloush, former political leader of Syria’s 'Jaish al-Islam' militant group (file photo)

Former head of the political body of the so-called Jaish al-Islam militant group has reportedly stolen millions of dollars from the money donated by regional sponsors of Takfiri terrorist outfits in Syria, and used the money to buy restaurants and commercial centers in Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

The Arabic-language Damascus Now news website reported on Sunday that Mohammed Alloush has appropriated some $47 million over the past few years, and hid it from the leaders of the terrorist organization.

The report added that Alloush then used the money to purchase real estates in Turkey and in Saudi Arabia, including Ewan Restaurant, car washes and body shops in Istanbul besides Rebou al-Sham Restaurant and three textile markets run by Bilal Oyoun in the Saudi capital city of Riyadh.

Jaish al-Islam commanders have reportedly called on Alloush to return the stolen sum but all to no avail.

Alloush was one of the founders of Jaish al-Islam militant group, and until recently led its political office.

He resigned from his post on May 3, after the group sustained a series of humiliating defeats in battles against Syrian army forces and pro-government fighters from popular defense groups in Eastern Ghouta region on the outskirts of Damascus.

Many leaders of Jaish al-Islam have been accused of corruption over the past few years.

Alloush’s older brother and the founder of Jaish al-Islam, Zahran, was accused by other armed groups in the Eastern Ghouta of stealing more than $12 million back in 2015, months before he was killed in a counter-terrorism operation conducted by Syrian government forces in the enclave.

Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. The Syrian government says the Israeli regime and its Western and regional allies are aiding Takfiri terrorist groups that are wreaking havoc in the country.

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