Holcim’s Lafarge on Trial Over Millions Paid to Syria Terrorists

Holcim Ltd.’s Lafarge is set to stand trial in Paris accused of illegally paying terrorist groups millions of euros a decade ago to keep open a cement plant in part of Syria then controlled by Islamic State and an al-Qaeda affiliate.

The trial starting Tuesday stems from claims that Lafarge intentionally violated 2013 sanctions. The alleged breach could carry a fine of up to 10 times the value of the violation, estimated in the indictment at about €4.7 million ($5.4 million).