Ships associated with the Assad regime are engaged in transporting grain from temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.

The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) claims that three cargo ships, suspected by Ukrainian authorities of exporting grain from Russian-occupied territories, are linked to Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Information about the ships “Phoenicia,” “Laodicea,” and “Sauria” was disclosed by researchers.

Shipping Stories

Until 2023, these cargo ships were owned by Syria under Bashar al-Assad’s leadership. They were then sold by the Syrian General Directorate of Maritime Transport to the offshore company AlHouda Holding, registered in the Seychelles. The ships “Phoenicia” and “Sauria” were valued at 1 USD according to contracts familiar to investigators, while OCCRP could not confirm the sale of “Laodicea,” although it was assumed that the deal was made almost simultaneously with the other two ships.

Sanction Issues

The circumstances of the sale of these ships highlight the practice of moving assets abroad, common in the last years of Assad’s rule. The Syrian president and his entourage used such schemes to avoid international sanctions.

Connections with the Regime

The head of AlHouda Holding, Ali Mohamed Dib, remains a non-public figure, but documents show his connections with Assad and his entourage. Dib owned shares in other Syrian companies whose shareholders were included in the European Union’s sanctions lists for supporting Assad’s regime.

False Flags

In recent years, “Phoenicia,” “Laodicea,” and “Sauria” have frequently changed names and used false flags, turning off transponders for greater secrecy. According to OCCRP, the ships were spotted in ports on Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, from where they exported grain.

The Ship “Phoenicia” and Its New Owners

Currently, “Laodicea” and “Sauria” remain registered with AlHouda Holding, while “Phoenicia” was re-registered to the company Levant Fleet LLC-FZ from the UAE in early 2025. This company is said to be linked to Syrian businessman Tahir Kayali, who is accused of smuggling illegal amphetamines. Kayali stated that he has had no connection to Levant Fleet since 2023.

Note on Movements

In early 2025, “Phoenicia,” now renamed “Monte Bianco,” was spotted in the port of Sevastopol. In August, the ship entered the port of Kamysh-Burun in Kerch, according to OCCRP.

Historical Context

Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in December 2024, after which he found refuge in Russia.

Economic and Social Consequences

Grain smuggling is becoming one of the key issues in violating international law. The Financial Times investigation delves into the details of the mechanisms by which Ukrainian grain ends up on the black market under the “Russian” flag.

Impact on the Market

The problem with grain supplies and assets linked to the regime raises concerns among many international observers. The mechanisms for circumventing sanctions illustrate the complex ties between Syria and Russia, indicating the need for increased control over this sector of the economy.

Source – meduza.io