Freezing of assets of two Syrians and five linked companies

The Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial, Energy, and Digital Sovereignty signed two decrees on November 3, 2026, ordering the freezing of assets of two Syrian nationals and five associated companies. The texts, published in JORF No. 0260 on November 6, 2026, under references NOR: ECOT2628560A and NOR: ECOT2628563A, take effect on the date of their publication by extract in the Official Journal.

A semi-annual renewal based on European law

The two decrees implement articles L. 562-3 et seq. of the Monetary and Financial Code and refer to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 (2004), adopted under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. They are also based on the Council’s CFSP implementing decision of September 25, 2017, which implements Decision 2013/255/CFSP concerning restrictive measures against Syria.

In their recitals, each decree recalls the long series of equivalent texts adopted since May 17, 2018, revised approximately every six months. The last renewal cited prior to this one dates from April 28, 2026, under references NOR: ECOT2611054A and NOR: ECOT2611058A for the two cases concerned.

Iyad and Fayez Mahrous targeted for six months

The first decree (NOR: ECOT2628560A) designates Iyad Mahrous, born May 12, 1971, in Damascus, of Syrian nationality, under several identity variants: Mohammed Iyad Makhros, Iyad Mohammad Esam Mahrous, and Iyad Mahrus.

The second decree (NOR: ECOT2628563A) targets Fayez Mahrous, born April 3, 1974, in Damascus, of Syrian nationality and residing in China.

In both cases, the measure covers funds and economic resources that are owned, possessed, held, or controlled by the parties concerned.

Five companies within the scope of the freeze

The mechanism extends to the following entities:

Al Mahrous Group, Rawda Street, Damascus (Syria), targeted by decree NOR: ECOT2628560A.
Floating Image Co, Mazra’a Street, Damascus (Syria), same decree.
Mahrous Trading FZE, LB15238 Jebel Ali, Emirate of Dubai, PO Box 85447 (United Arab Emirates), same decree.
Mahrous Trading Company, 10 El Farek Asmael Srhank Street, Laurent district, Alexandria (Egypt), same decree.
Guang Zhou Shi Cuida Lide Trade Ltd, Flat 1308, No. 149-2, Liwang street, Liwang, Guangzhou (China), targeted by decree NOR: ECOT2628563A.

Prohibition of availability and means of appeal

For a period of six months, the direct or indirect provision and use of funds or economic resources for the benefit of these persons and entities are prohibited. Specifically, banks, companies, and financial intermediaries must freeze the assets concerned and refrain from any operation that would benefit the designated persons.

The decrees provide two avenues for challenge within two months of their notification: an informal appeal addressed to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, 139 rue de Bercy, 75572 Paris Cedex 12, or by email to sanctions-gel-avoirs@dgtresor.gouv.fr; or a contentious appeal before the Administrative Tribunal of Paris, 7 rue de Jouy, 75181 Paris Cedex 04. Silence maintained for two months regarding an informal appeal constitutes an implicit rejection, opening a new two-month period to bring the matter before a judge.

Scope for Operators

These two texts expand the scope of Syrian restrictive measures to a family and commercial network spread across Damascus, Dubai, Alexandria, and China. Entities subject to vigilance requirements must integrate these names and addresses into their screening systems and report any identified assets without delay, as the measure is enforceable from the date of publication in the Official Journal and for six months, unless renewed.

Source: JORF No. 0260 of November 6, 2026, decrees of November 3, 2026, implementing Articles L. 562-3 et seq. of the Monetary and Financial Code, NOR: ECOT2628560A and NOR: ECOT2628563A.