Billionaire Dictator’s Hidden Wealth: Ferrari F50 and Rolls-Royce Found in Assad’s Palace

Citizens of Syria have expressed outrage after luxury items were discovered at the presidential palace of former dictator Bashar al-Assad.

On Monday, international media outlets, including The Guardian, reported that high-end vehicles such as a Ferrari F50, Lamborghini, and Rolls-Royce were abundant at the Syrian presidential palace. The U.S. State Department estimates the Assad family’s net worth at £1.6 billion (approximately US$2 billion). Sky News highlighted that the Ferrari F50, a limited edition with only 349 units produced, is valued at tens of millions of dollars.

A video released by Syrian influencer and comedian Fady Maaz exposed the luxury of the palace, with the refrigerator filled with meat and luxury shopping bags scattered throughout the residence. Social media was flooded with footage of citizens storming the presidential palace, vandalizing furniture, and looting items.

Assad’s wife, Asma, once known for her fluency in English, French, and Arabic, cultivated an image of intelligence and elegance, earning her the nickname “the Diana of Syria.” However, she faced harsh criticism for purchasing luxury goods worth millions during the civil war, leading some to label her the “Marie Antoinette of Syria.”

A 2022 World Bank report reveals that approximately 70% of Syria’s population—or 14.5 million people—live in poverty. About 25% of Syrians are experiencing extreme poverty.

On November 8, Islamic extremist rebels entered the capital, Damascus, marking the end of the Syrian civil war that began in 2011 during the Arab Spring. The conflict has reportedly claimed 620,000 lives.