Pro-coalition minister in Aden loots $300,000 monthly

ADEN, Oct. 19 (YPA) – Shocking figures have emerged regarding the amounts received by a minister in the government loyal to the Saudi-led coalition, who resides outside the country, according to well-informed sources.

Basil Hazam, head of the Yemeni Tourism Union in Aden, disclosed on social media that Moammar Al-Eryani, the coalition-appointed Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism, receives $300,000 per month, which amounts to $4 million annually.

Hazam stated that these funds are collected from airlines, including Yemenia Airways, and totaled approximately 6 billion Yemeni riyals annually.

According to him, the funds are collected through a deduction of 7 to 8 US dollars from the price of each airline ticket sold.

He noted that the airline companies regularly transfer the funds through a commercial bank in Aden, with the money being deposited into Al-Eryani’s personal account, who resides permanently in Riyadh and frequently travels to Cairo.

Hazam called on the Saudi-backed government to urgently investigate corruption files within both the “Tourism Promotion Council” and the “Cultural Heritage and Development Fund,” which are overseen by Minister Al-Eryani.

He demanded an immediate investigation into the fate of the funds and resources that have flowed into these two entities since 2017,

Hazam also called for accountability for those involved in financial and administrative corruption within the council, regardless of whether they are current or former officials.

These demands come at a time when areas controlled by pro- coalition government the internationally recognized government are facing a severe economic and humanitarian crisis, with public sector salaries remaining unpaid since June.

@E.Y.M