Boomnster catch at syeria

A BOMBSHELL image of the viral Syrian "prisoner" discovered by CNN crew proves he was actually one of Assad's ruthless officers.

The bogus inmate was found trembling under a blanket before being freed by the team, exclaiming: "Oh God, there is light."

The man named himself to CNN's Clarissa Ward as Adel Gharbal, a father from Homs.

But, following claims by the fact-checking site Verify-Sy that he could be one of Assad's puppets, CNN launched an investigation into the man's identity.

The broadcaster soon confirmed that the man was not called Adel Gharbals - but Salama Mohammad Salama.

Salama "was known by locals for running the Air Force Intelligence Directorate's checkpoints" and was accused of "having a reputation for extortion and harassment," CNN said.