April 14, (THEWILL) — French cement giant, Lafarge, has been found guilty of financing terrorism after transferring $6.5 million to armed groups between 2013 and 2014 to sustain its operations in war-torn Syria.
The landmark ruling, delivered on Monday by a Paris court, marks the first time a company in France has been convicted on terrorism financing charges. The payments were made during the height of the Syrian civil war, when extremist factions, including Islamic State, controlled vast territories across Syria and Iraq and declared a so-called caliphate.
According to the court, Lafarge channelled funds to these groups to secure safe passage and maintain production at its cement plant in Jalabiya. The judges concluded that the company prioritised economic interests over security and ethical considerations.
Presiding judge, Isabelle Prevost-Desprez, stated that the payments effectively strengthened terrorist organisations by providing resources used to fund attacks. She described the arrangement as resembling a “commercial partnership” with extremist groups.
In a statement to the BBC, Lafarge acknowledged the ruling but insisted the actions did not reflect its corporate standards.
Lafarge entered Syria in 2008 with a $680 million plant acquisition, beginning operations in 2010 shortly before conflict erupted. As violence escalated, employees faced dangerous daily crossings to the facility.
Several former executives were also convicted, including ex-CEO, Bruno Lafont, sentenced to six years, alongside other senior figures linked to the scheme.
Ogochukwu Onwaeze is a writer specializing in business and economic journalism. At THEWILL News Media, she translates market trends, financial developments, and policy shifts into clear and engaging stories.
