Lafarge Convicted for Terrorism Financing in France

A landmark ruling by a French court convicted the cement giant Lafarge for financing terrorism through payments made to armed groups, including ISIL and Al Nusra Front, during the Syrian civil war from 2013 to 2014. The court found that Lafarge's Syrian subsidiary made these payments to ensure the continued operation of its cement plant in northern Syria amid the ongoing conflict.

As part of the ruling, Lafarge was fined €1.12 million (approximately $1.32 million) and ordered to confiscate €30 million (around $35.1 million) in assets, alongside additional penalties for violations. Former executives, including ex-CEO Bruno Lafont, received prison sentences, with Lafont sentenced to six years.

The court determined that the payments were driven by commercial interests and indirectly strengthened violent organizations operating in Syria during that period. Lafarge, which is part of Holcim, acknowledged the judgment and described it as related to historical conduct under review.