April 13, 2026 — A Paris court ruled Monday that Lafarge paid armed groups in Syria to keep its factories operating, finding the company and several former executives criminally responsible. Former CEO Bruno Lafont and eight other former employees were convicted of financing terrorism. Lafont was sentenced to six years in jail, and Lafarge was fined €1.125 million.
Judges concluded the company channelled roughly €5.6 million to armed groups, including the Islamic State and the Nusra Front, to maintain its Syrian operations. The court’s decision follows a long investigation into the company’s conduct during the Syrian conflict.
Lafarge, once among the world’s largest cement makers, has faced scrutiny over its wartime business practices for years. The convictions mark a significant legal outcome in efforts to hold companies and executives accountable for dealings that fund extremist groups.
This is a developing story; further details and reactions are expected as appeals and related legal steps proceed.