Companies Linked to Assad Kept Winning UN Contracts After Syria’s New Rulers Took Power

Companies reportedly linked to Syria’s former Assad regime continued winning UN contracts after the regime fell, according to an ICIJ analysis of newly released UN procurement data. The report found at least 11 firms received roughly $10 million in contracts in 2025 following Assad’s ouster in December 2024. It cites examples such as Shorouk, a security firm allegedly connected to Assad’s intelligence services, and ProGuard, a major security contractor reportedly sanctioned by the EU and UK under Assad. Experts warn opaque settlements risk undermining transitional justice and accountability.