Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — The United States has designated Russians deemed helpers of the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

The administration of President Barack Obama has imposed sanctions on Russians who allegedly provided financial services to Assad.

Officials said the Russians supported the Syrian Central Bank and the state-owned oil marketing company.

“We are committed to deterring those who contribute to violence and instability in Syria, and will continue to aggressively target individuals and entities supporting the Assad regime,” Treasury Undersecretary David Cohen said.

On May 8, Treasury identified those targeted with sanctions as the Moscow-based Tempbank and senior bank executive Mikhail Gagloev. Officials said Tempbank relayed millions of dollars in cash and facilitated financial services to the Syrian regime.

“In one instance, Tempbank arranged to deliver millions of dollars in cash to Vnukovo Airport in Moscow for pick-up by cash couriers working for the Central Bank of Syria,” Treasury said. “In addition to its close cooperation with the Central Bank of Syria, Tempbank has facilitated deals and provided financial services to Sytrol, a Syrian state oil company sanctioned by the United States and the European Union.”

Treasury said Gagloev, chairman of Tempbank’s Management Committee,
worked for the Moscow bank. Gagloev was said to have traveled to Damascus to
make deals with the Syrian regime on behalf of Tempbank.

Several Syrians were also sanctioned by Treasury. They included Brig.
Gen. Bassam Al Hassan, identified as an adviser to Assad. Al Hassan was said
to have served as Assad’s representative on the Scientific Studies and
Research Center, responsible for developing and producing non-conventional
weapons and missiles.

“As an adviser to Assad, Al Hassan is involved in weapons procurement
for the Syrian military and meets with foreign government representatives,”
Treasury said.

  Bashar Assad, Brig. Gen. Bassam Al Hassan, David Cohen, Mikhail Gagloev, Tempbank, U.S. sanctions Russian bankers who helped supported Assad regime