article_snippet.sent: The inquiry into Rifaat al-Assad's finances was triggered by Sherpa, an activist group representing the victims of financial crime, which claims Bashar's father fortune was stolen during Bashar's father time at the heart of the Syrian regime.
article_snippet.sent: Mr al-Assad has vehemently denied acquiring assets in France through illegal means.
article_snippet.sent: Mr al-Assad also told investigators Mr al-Assad 'had nothing' when Mr al-Assad left Syria, having always given Mr al-Assad wages away to the poor, according to a source close to the investigation. '
article_snippet.sent: Mr Al-assad told France Info radio Mr Al-assad father had received funds since 1984 from 'states, leaders and friends abroad'.
article_snippet.sent: That included a gift from the king of Saudi Arabia of a 45 hectare (111 acre) property and stud farm north of Paris, Mr Al-assad said.
article_snippet.sent: Mr Al-assad claims Mr Al-assad invested these gifts in property, but did not keep a close eye on the details. '
article_snippet.sent: I only occupy Mr Al-assad with politics,' Mr Al-assad said, according to the source. '
article_snippet.sent: Other members of the family have given evidence that Saudi backers have supported Saudi backers ever since Saudi backers exile in the 1980s.
article_snippet.sent: Another of Mr Al-assad lawyers Benjamin Grundler says Another of Mr Al-assad's lawyers Benjamin Grundler client 'lives principally from the sale of apartments... and from the regular help of Saudi Arabia', stressing 'it is not Syrian money'.
article_snippet.sent: -  the son of Rifaat al-Assad and Bashar's cousin - told France Info radio -  the son of Rifaat al-Assad had received funds since 1984 from 'states, leaders and friends abroad'
article_snippet.sent: However, French Syria expert Fabrice Balanche, of CNRS University in Lyons, told the probe -  the son of Rifaat al-Assad is highly sceptical about the explanations.
article_snippet.sent: Speaking to investigators, -  the son of Rifaat al-Assad said: 'Saudi Arabia has no interest in supporting Rifaat, who doesn't represent anything.'
article_snippet.sent: Mr Al-assad has always denied having a leading role in the bloody Hama massacre.
highlights_snippet.sent: Activists say Activists  was stolen from Syria when Rifaat al Assad was at heart of Activists  regime .
  