Syrian President Bachar Assad ordered the arrest of Maj. Gen. Dhu al-Himma Shalish for embezzling money, although Shalich happens to be the first cousin of Assad and serves as the head of presidential security.

According to circulated news by media close to the Syrian regime, Shalich and the Fattouch family are partners in multiple billion dollar trade companies in Zahle.

The media hinted to an 800 million dollar joint account in a Lebanese bank that validates Shalich and MP Nicolas Fattouch’s partnership, and represents one of the many bank accounts they share.

Addiyar newspaper had previously mentioned that Fattouch-Shalich's relationship is tightly linked to the quarry in Daher al-Baidar, as well as the Jeita grotto contract at the time when Fattouch held office at the ministry of Tourism.

Bearing exclusive rights to steel import to Syria, Shalich and the Fattouch brothers piled up a remarkable fortune on the expense of poor Syrian citizens.

The confidential information which will be revealed in due time is said to include a good deal of embezzlements by the two partners.

Dhu al-Himma Shalish’s arrest and the serious repercussions the Fattouch family will sustain will unravel Bachar Assad’s resolve to fight corruption in his midst, the daily says.