By Nabil Al Mulhem
Damascus
Syrian former deputy prime minister, Salim Yassin, who is on trial for corruption, may be facing criminal charges, according to sources close to the Economic Security Court.
“Investigations are underway regarding the possibility that he [Yassin] was involved in the murder of a swindler named Mutaz Ward, said to be Yassin’s partner,” according to the sources.
They added that Ward had collected huge amounts of money though tricking people into giving him their savings, which he allegedly embezzled. Consequently, he was arrested for fraud.
While in custody at Adra prison near Damascus, the fraudster threatened that he would disclose big names as his partners. He was released for no obvious reasons, to be murdered a few days later when gunmen shot him down and fled the scene, added the sources, who asked for anonymity.
The investigation of the murder was closed, but Ward’s family were still pointing fingers of accusation at Yassin.
Meanwhile, the sources said that Yassin’s deposits at the Credit Bank, which suffered difficulties years ago, amount to $35 million. They quoted Yassin as naming other corrupt officials, one of whom owns a sum of $ 45 million deposited at the same bank. The suspiciously rich official is still holding his position, they said.
The sources expect that new names will be added to the corruption black list and measures will be taken against them as soon as the presidential referendum is over – Albawaba.com
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
