Syrian spy chief accused of 2015 'Children's Massacre' hiding in Moscow: Report

Syrian intelligence chief Hussam Luka, a key figure under former President Bashar al-Assad, has been located in Moscow, according to a report by the BBC. Luka, who was previously sanctioned by the UK, US, and European Union, is accused of involvement in torture, detention, and other abuses during Assad's rule. Syrian authorities have issued a warrant for his arrest, alleging charges including premeditated murder and torture.

Following the fall of Assad in December 2024, Luka went missing from his luxury apartment in Damascus, leaving behind his personal belongings and a notebook containing contact numbers. Investigators traced these numbers to Luka's former contacts in Lebanon, ultimately leading to his current location in Moscow. Luka, known as "The Spider" due to his extensive network, was head of the General Security Directorate and was linked to the 2015 children's massacre in Homs, where 28 people, including 17 children and four women, were killed.

Despite his current whereabouts, Russia has not responded to inquiries about his presence or extradition requests.