Lafarge Group to Stand Trial for Financing Terrorism in Syria
The Lafarge group, a cement manufacturer and now a subsidiary of the Swiss company Holcim, is set to face trial for allegations of financing terrorism in Syria. Three investigating judges have ordered the trial against Lafarge and eight individuals, including former executives, for their involvement in providing financial support to terrorist organizations operating near the company's cement plant in Jalabiya. The trial is scheduled to take place from November 4 to December 9, 2025.
The charges stem from actions taken between 2013 and 2014, during which Lafarge allegedly paid around five million euros to jihadist groups, including the Islamic State (IS), through its Syrian subsidiary, Lafarge Cement Syria (LCS). This financial support was purportedly aimed at ensuring the continued operation of the cement plant amidst the escalating conflict in Syria. According to the referral order to the criminal court, the accused individuals are alleged to have organized and facilitated a policy that involved sending funds to these terrorist organizations to maintain the plant's operations.
The investigating judges noted that Lafarge had the autonomy to cease operations at any point, particularly when the management became aware of the financial demands from terrorist entities. By agreeing to these payments, the company sought to secure benefits such as the unblocking of access routes and the issuance of passes for the movement of trucks and employees. The ongoing judicial investigation, initiated in June 2017, is also exploring suspicions of complicity in crimes against humanity by the company.
Dismissal of Charges Against Former Security Director
In a related development, the case against former security director Jean-Claude Veillard has been dismissed after a lengthy legal battle. His lawyers expressed relief at the establishment of his innocence after seven years of investigation. The trial will include other key figures from Lafarge's operational and security chains, as well as Syrian intermediaries, highlighting the extensive network involved in these allegations.
As the trial approaches, the implications for Lafarge and its executives could be significant, both legally and reputationally. The case underscores the challenges multinational corporations face in conflict zones, particularly regarding compliance with international financial sanctions and ethical business practices.
