Syrian spy chief accused of 2015 'Children's Massacre' hiding in Moscow: Report
Former Syrian intelligence chief Hussam Luka has been located in Moscow following an investigation by the BBC. Luka, who is wanted by new Syrian authorities for alleged torture and murder, fled Damascus after the fall of the Assad regime.
Why it matters
The discovery highlights the ongoing search for accountability regarding human rights abuses under the former Syrian regime and raises questions about Russia's role in harboring sanctioned officials.
Former Syrian intelligence chief Hussam Luka, one of the most powerful security officials under ousted president Bashar al-Assad, has been traced to Moscow after the BBC followed a trail of contacts found in his abandoned Damascus apartment.Luka, who was sanctioned by the UK, US and European Union, has been accused of involvement in torture, detention and other abuses during Assad’s rule. The BBC said Syria's new authorities have issued a warrant for him over allegations including premeditated murder and torture.After Assad was overthrown in December 2024, Luka disappeared. The BBC later found his abandoned luxury apartment in Damascus, where photographs of Luka with Assad, awards and other personal belongings remained behind.Among the items was a handwritten notebook containing 155 phone numbers belonging to people ranging from doctors and military officials to relatives and other contacts.
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