Syrian State Finds $9 Billion Grain Corruption, Implicates Ex-Minister

Syrian investigators have uncovered a major corruption case worth over nine billion pounds at the state grain company. The Central Authority for Control and Inspection announced the discovery on Wednesday. The authority said the case involves a former minister from the government of ousted President Bashar al-Assad. It did not name the individual. A public statement said the fraud was found during a detailed inspection of the Syrian Grain Corporation. The corporation manages the country's vital wheat supplies. No further details were immediately provided. The announcement comes as Syria suffers a severe economic crisis and widespread food insecurity.