Bribes and extortion rampant in Syria’s Interim government institutions

Day by day, the extent of corruption in the Interim Government institutions in Syria becomes more apparent, as voices and complaints grow about the return of Baath-era practices—bribery and corruption—which are reportedly continuing under the current Interim Government, with differences only in the method of payment, according to multiple sources.

Insider sources revealed that a security official at Tartous National Hospital demanded a bribe of 1 million Syrian pounds to overlook an emergency case resulting from a traffic accident, even though there was no personal claim in the case.

According to the sources, elements from the security apparatus affiliated with the Interim Government intimidated the driver by inspecting the accident site and assessing material damages—whether to electricity, water networks, or municipal property—before holding him fully responsible and threatening imprisonment, using these intimidation tactics as a pretext for extortion.

The sources confirmed that the driver paid the bribe out of fear to close the file, with the incident officially recorded as a “fall from a tree” instead of a traffic accident.

Corruption is not limited to internal institutions but also extends to Syrian-Lebanese border crossings, where unofficial fees of about 100 USD are imposed for crossing in both directions, even on ordinary citizens with no security issues.

Multiple sources noted that this fee represents a minimum and is applied particularly in rural areas of Homs and Damascus, while some individuals also engage in smuggling products to sell in Syrian markets.

A resident of the border villages stated that changing the Baath regime did not significantly affect the reality of illegal crossings, except for the method of payment, explaining that previously payments were in Syrian pounds, while now they are forced to pay in dollars to cross without being shot at.

Syria and Lebanon share six official border crossings, while there are 17 unofficial crossings, often used for smuggling and illegal trade, according to agency observations.

A border source explained that smuggling has not stopped but has shifted in nature and location, with new, more secretive and flexible routes emerging—often requiring payment.

Observers note that the rapid accumulation of wealth among some officials of the Syrian Interim Government—especially those in sensitive positions or working in border areas, evidenced by cars, real estate, and luxury lifestyles—does not match their monthly salaries, even if they reach around 3,000 USD.

According to commentators, such salaries do not justify acquiring significant wealth in a short time, raising questions about the sources of this wealth and explaining why many of these officials insist on remaining permanently at their posts rather than returning home.

This also raises questions about the Interim Government’s role in monitoring its employees and why these practices are overlooked, prompting public frustration: Who is responsible for curbing these violations—the local sheikh or the law and state institutions?

ANHA