The decisive moment came on April 13, 2026, when the court ordered Lafarge to pay a fine of 1.12 million euros and confiscated 30 million euros worth of its assets. The court’s findings revealed that Lafarge had paid a total of 5.59 million euros to armed groups, including ISIL and the al-Nusra Front, to secure safe passage for its operations.

Eight former Lafarge employees, including former CEO Bruno Lafont, were found guilty of financing terrorism, with Lafont receiving a six-year jail sentence. Christian Herrault, the former deputy managing director, was sentenced to five years. This ruling marks the first time a company has been tried and convicted in France for such serious charges.

Judge Isabelle Prevost-Desprez emphasized the court’s view that the funding was solely aimed at keeping the Syrian plant operational for economic reasons. “It is clear to the court that the sole purpose of the funding of a terrorist organisation was to keep the Syrian plant running for economic reasons,” she stated.

In total, Lafarge acknowledged paying nearly 13 million euros to middlemen to maintain its cement factory in Jalabiya, which began operations in 2010, just months before the Syrian uprising. The payments not only supported the company’s operations but also inadvertently bolstered groups responsible for deadly attacks in Syria and beyond.

The implications of this ruling extend beyond Lafarge, as it sets a precedent for corporate accountability in cases of terrorism financing. Sherpa and ECCHR, organizations advocating for corporate responsibility, hailed the decision as historic in the fight against multinational corporations’ impunity.

Cannelle Lavite, an expert on corporate governance, noted that the court established that Lafarge had mobilized financial, human, and political resources to preserve its economic interests amid the conflict. This conviction could lead to increased scrutiny of other corporations operating in conflict zones.

As the legal ramifications unfold, Lafarge has acknowledged the court’s findings, referring to the case as a legacy matter involving conduct from over a decade ago. However, the ruling signals a new era of accountability for corporations involved in similar situations.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding potential appeals or further legal actions against Lafarge or its executives. The global business community will be watching closely as this case develops, potentially reshaping the landscape of corporate ethics and accountability.

Сообщение Lafarge Convicted of Financing Terrorism in France появились сначала на justrealnews.

During the Syrian civil war, Lafarge paid approximately 5.59 million euros to armed groups, including ISIL and the al-Nusra Front, to keep its Jalabiya plant operational. This facility began operations in 2010, just months before the uprising in early 2011.

Judge Isabelle Prevost-Desprez stated, “The sole purpose of the funding of a terrorist organisation was to keep the Syrian plant running for economic reasons,” emphasizing the gravity of the company’s actions. Lafarge also admitted to paying nearly 13 million euros to middlemen to maintain operations amid escalating violence.

This case is unprecedented in France, as it is the first time a company has been tried for financing terrorism. Lafarge is also under investigation for alleged complicity in crimes against humanity, further complicating its legal troubles.

In a related case in the United States, Lafarge faced similar charges, resulting in a total of $778 million in forfeiture and fines. The company acknowledged the court’s findings regarding conduct that occurred over a decade ago.

Former employees have voiced their concerns, stating, “Lafarge was aware of what was happening to us – the checkpoints, the threats, the daily fear – but chose to risk the lives of its employees for profit.” This sentiment underscores the ethical implications of Lafarge’s decisions during the conflict.

Lafarge has expressed its commitment to addressing this legacy matter responsibly, calling the ruling an important milestone in its efforts to rectify past actions. However, the long-term impact on the company’s reputation and operations remains to be seen.

As observers await further developments, the implications of this ruling could resonate throughout the corporate world, prompting a reevaluation of how companies engage in conflict zones.

Сообщение Lafarge Cement Found Guilty of Financing Terrorism in Syria появились сначала на justrealnews.