April 13, 2026
A Paris court on Monday ruled that Lafarge, the world’s largest cement maker, paid off terrorist groups in Syria to keep its factories operating there. The court found former CEO Bruno Lafont and eight other former employees guilty of financing terrorism. Lafont was sentenced to six years in jail and the company was ordered to pay a €1.125 million fine. Judges concluded that Lafarge had funnelled about €5.6 million to armed groups including the Islamic State and the Nusra Front to maintain its Syrian operations. This is a developing story. More to follow.