For the first time in France, a company has been convicted of financing terrorism — Le Monde
On Monday, a Paris criminal court handed down the first-ever corporate conviction for collaborating with terrorist groups.
The cement company Lafarge and eight of its former executives were found guilty of financing terrorist organizations in Syria in 2013–2014. Former CEO Bruno Lafont was sentenced to six years in prison and immediately taken into custody.
The company itself was fined the maximum amount of 1.125 million euros, reportsLe Monde.
In its ruling, the court noted that the company, which was later acquired by the Swiss firm Holcim, made payments totaling nearly 5.6 million euros to three jihadist organizations, including the Islamic State (ISIS).
“This method of financing allowed the terrorist organization to seize control of Syria’s natural resources and fund terrorist acts both in the region and abroad, particularly in Europe,” emphasized presiding judge Isabelle Prévot-Després.
The court’s ruling states that these payments helped the militants prepare, in particular, the January 2015 terrorist attacks in France.
By cooperating with the Islamists, the company was able to maintain production at its cement plant in Jalabiya in northern Syria.
The court also concluded that Lafarge had effectively established a genuine commercial partnership with ISIS. At the time of the events, Lafarge continued to operate in Syria, while other major international companies had already left the country.
During the preliminary hearing, which took place in November–December 2025, the defense argued that the company’s management was caught between “two bad choices” and allegedly sought to preserve not only the asset but also the safety of the plant’s workers. However, after analyzing internal correspondence, meeting minutes, and bank documents, the court rejected these arguments.
Despite paying millions to the group, the company was ultimately forced to evacuate urgently on September 18, 2014, amid an ISIS offensive, and the very next day the plant fell under the control of the jihadists.
The Lafarge case has been under review in France for nearly ten years. It was opened following a complaint filed in 2016 by eleven former Syrian employees of the company, together with the organizations Sherpa and ECCHR. A separate investigation is ongoing on suspicion of complicity in crimes against humanity. Additionally, in the U.S., Lafarge previously pleaded guilty in a similar case and agreed to pay approximately $778 million in fines and compensation.
Macron announced a gathering of countries for a mission in the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron discussed the war in Ukraine and the Middle East with Erdogan
Macron announced the release of two French nationals after three years in prison in Iran.
Donald Trump’s new statements on Iran are becoming increasingly harsh. An expert from Tehran believes this indicates growing tension and frustration on the part of the U.S. president.
Israel struck approximately ten key sections of railways and bridges in Iran. According to sources, these routes were used to transport weapons.
