A Paris court has found Holcim Ltd.'s Lafarge guilty of making payments to terrorist organizations to maintain operations at a cement plant during Syria's civil war. The ruling marks a significant development in the long-running legal case against the Swiss cement giant, which merged with Lafarge in 2015. The court's decision comes after years of investigation into the company's activities in Syria during the conflict.

Lafarge operated a cement plant in northern Syria from 2011 to 2014, during the height of the civil war. Prosecutors alleged the company made payments to armed groups, including the Islamic State, to secure safe passage for employees and materials. The case has drawn international attention as one of the most prominent examples of a Western company allegedly engaging with terrorist organizations to protect business interests in a conflict zone.

The guilty verdict could have significant financial implications for Holcim, which has already set aside funds to cover potential penalties. The company faces potential fines and compensation claims from former employees and local communities affected by its operations in Syria. This ruling underscores the growing scrutiny of multinational corporations' activities in conflict zones and their responsibility to uphold ethical standards even in challenging business environments.