US Protecting Syrian General Accused of Atrocities in Exchange for Information on Austin Tice
A BBC investigation reveals that a former Syrian general, wanted for crimes against humanity, is being financially supported and protected by US and Lebanese authorities.
A former Syrian general implicated in crimes against humanity is reportedly being bankrolled and shielded by US and Lebanese authorities in exchange for intelligence, according to a BBC News investigation.
Bassam al-Hassan, who allegedly oversaw Syria's chemical weapons program and served as a senior advisor to former President Bashar al-Assad, is said to be residing in Lebanon. This arrangement involves the FBI and other US and Lebanese security agencies, driven by al-Hassan's willingness to provide information regarding the 2012 abduction of American journalist Austin Tice in Syria, as well as other intelligence.
A BBC and NPR investigation uncovered that al-Hassan has been offered "residency," "protection," and assistance with his living expenses in exchange for information, primarily concerning Tice's case. Sources close to the matter confirmed that al-Hassan receives funds from US authorities through an intermediary to obscure the trail, despite being under US sanctions.
This arrangement, reportedly struck in the spring of 2025, has raised concerns among those involved in the Tice investigation, who report little significant progress since al-Hassan began cooperating. Some sources involved fear the agreement could persist indefinitely with minimal tangible results and significant expense.
Al-Hassan is not the only former Syrian regime official connected to the Tice case to have apparently received financial or living assistance abroad. One former regime member told the BBC he had received multiple payments from the FBI for his cooperation on Tice's case, intentionally prolonging the information sharing to continue receiving payments. Another former regime member claimed to be living in Lebanon under the "patronage" of US authorities, which he cited as a reason for his inability to discuss Tice's case.
Officials from Syria's current government have expressed a desire for al-Hassan's return to face trial, but stated that US authorities' insistence on his presence in Beirut limits Damascus's options.
The FBI declined to comment on the findings, referring to a previous statement emphasizing its commitment to establishing facts about the Tice case and securing his return. Phil Elwood, a spokesperson for the Tice family, called the situation "offensive" if true, stating that US tax dollars should not be used to support someone associated with chemical weapons use and who allegedly claimed Tice was executed. He described it as "aiding and abetting the escape of a wanted war criminal."
Last year, al-Hassan reportedly informed US investigators that Tice had been executed on former President Assad's orders. However, the specifics of his account have been questioned. Al-Hassan provided a potential location for Tice's remains, but a search of the site yielded no results, according to multiple sources familiar with the excavation. Questions linger about the thoroughness of the search, with some sources suggesting US authorities halted digging prematurely due to security concerns.
When reached for comment by the BBC last year, al-Hassan directed inquiries to the FBI and CIA at the US embassy in Beirut.
The investigation also identified other Syrian officials connected to Tice's case who are believed to have found refuge abroad, including Mohammad Makhlouf and Sakr Rustom, who reportedly reported to al-Hassan and were involved in Tice's abduction. Ghassan Nassour, a former general in Syria's Republican Guard, is also believed to be living in the UAE.