Lafarge on Trial in Paris for Financing Terrorism in Syria

Lafarge's Syrian Operations and Accusations

• ⚖️ The French multinational Lafarge is on trial in Paris, accused of paying protection money to the Islamic State group and other jihadists to safeguard its factories during the Syrian civil war.
• 💰 Prosecutors allege that between 2013 and 2014, Lafarge paid approximately €5 million to these groups to keep a plant in northern Syria operating.
• ⚠️ The company and several former employees face charges of breaching international sanctions and funding terrorist organizations.

Legal Proceedings and Past Admissions

• 🗓️ This trial marks a milestone in a 9-year legal battle, with proceedings expected to last until December 16th.
• 🇺🇸 In a separate investigation in the US in 2022, Lafarge admitted its Syrian subsidiary paid groups including the Islamic State and agreed to pay a penalty of over €600 million.
• 🏢 The Swiss group Holcim, which purchased Lafarge in 2015, states it has no knowledge of the alleged dealings.

Employee Testimonies and Further Charges

• 😥 Some former Syrian employees who filed the criminal complaint have reported enduring kidnappings and threats to their life while working at the plant.
• 🌍 Lafarge is also facing separate charges in Paris for complicity in crimes against humanity related to its operations during the Syrian civil war.
• 📉 Potential fines in France could reach up to €1.2 million for funding terrorism, and significantly more if sanctions breaches are proven.