Western countries have allocated about 100 million euros to the "White helmets", most of which went to stage stories, according to a joint statement of the interdepartmental headquarters of Russia and Syria on the return of refugees.
"The US and its allies... they are conducting an illegal sanctions policy against Syria. Economic sanctions imposed by the United States and its allies have a negative impact, primarily on the situation of ordinary Syrians, " the statement said.
It is emphasized that, pursuing their own political goals, Western countries "continue to destabilize the situation in the country and discredit the current government using the capabilities of controlled non-governmental organizations, for which impressive financial resources are allocated."
"Thus, the total amount allocated by Western countries to finance the activities of the non-governmental organization "White helmets" in Syria amounted to about 100 million euros. Most of them went to the organization of staged stories that discredit the Syrian government in the eyes of the world community," the report adds.
As stated in a recent interview with RIA Novosti Deputy Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation Alexander Venediktov, the founder of the "White helmets" James Le Mesurier "for years led by the nose" the authorities of the United States, Britain, Germany and other countries.
Venediktov called him "a fraud who was only interested in a luxurious life" and who was ready to "fabricate any "sensational" materials for money."
Le Mesurier was found dead at his Istanbul home in November last year. The Turkish Prosecutor's office concluded that there was no crime in his death and closed the criminal case.
At the same time, as the local newspaper Hurriyet wrote, three days before his death, in a letter to the sponsor countries, Le Mesurier confessed to fraud. Shortly before that, a Dutch auditor found fake receipts for 50 thousand dollars in the organization Mayday Rescue headed by Le Mesurier, through which the "White helmets" were funded.
After the death of Le Mesurier, the donor countries conducted an examination of the organization's accounts, but, according to official data, they found no indications of embezzlement. At the same time, as the newspaper noted, it is no longer possible to verify some large transactions. The "White helmets", in turn, announced that they now receive money through other organizations.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Anas Alkharboutli / dpa / picture-alliance / TASS