Syrian regime corruption

A well-known correspondent who has covered the war in Syria from the start was telling me about the antics of the regime: 1) each henchman of the regime specializes in one particular smuggling.  Say the Maher Al-Asad's smugglers specialize in smuggling electronics, another henchman may specialize in smuggling fuel, etc.  2) the Syrian regime, known historically for its stinginess, is now quite generous with Arab and non-Arab journalists who cover its side sympathetically: they are now known to give fancy watches, lighters, jewelery, and cigar boxes.