In November 2017, during an operation to clear a hospital in Raqqa, Syria, Chief Petty Officer Kenton Stacy was injured. ISIS had set explosives there. Now a quadriplegic, Stacy, alongside his wife Lindsey and their four children, is part of a lawsuit against the French cement company Lafarge. A French court recently ruled that Lafarge had paid millions in bribes to ISIS to keep its factories operational in areas controlled by the terrorist group.
“They were effectively funnelling money to support ISIS and all those horrific acts,” Lindsey Stacy shared, standing with her husband, a former Navy explosive ordnance disposal specialist, who had just undergone another surgery related to his injuries from the incident nearly nine years ago.
“It’s just so overwhelming. Kenton is battling on multiple fronts—mentally and physically. And we all have our own challenges, especially with our eldest son needing constant care due to cerebral palsy,” she added.
In a significant ruling this past April, Lafarge—recognized as the world’s largest cement manufacturer—was found guilty of providing material support to a terrorist organization, leading to a six-year prison sentence for its former CEO. Eight more of the company’s ex-employees were convicted. Lafarge has acknowledged the ruling, calling it a “legacy issue” and a severe violation of their conduct standards.
The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of New York, has nearly 1,000 plaintiffs, predominantly military families. “These families lost loved ones because they were killed in Syria by a brutal terrorist group that Lafarge was financially backing. It’s indisputable; Lafarge admitted it in 2022,” said Todd Toral, the attorney representing Stacey and around 25 other families.
Toral, a U.S. Marine himself, aims to get compensation for these families from the $777 million Lafarge paid to the Justice Department as part of a settlement deal, which has been held since October 2022.
“This decision by the French court is significant; it marks the first time in years that companies and their executives are being held accountable for illegal acts supporting terrorism,” he informed.
To maintain operations in ISIS-territory in Syria, Lafarge reportedly paid ISIS over $6.5 million through its Syrian division between 2013 and 2014. The cement from the Jarabiya factory, acquired for $680 million before the Syrian uprising began, was utilized in constructing tunnels and bunkers for terrorist operations.
This case is indeed noteworthy as it represents the initial instance of corporate charges related to supporting a terrorist entity in the U.S.
In October 2022, Lafarge settled substantial claims with the French Justice Department, contributing over $777 million to a fund designated to help victims of ISIS attacks, including many Gold Star families. For instance, Haley Dayton reflects on losing her father, who was the first American killed by ISIS in Syria on Thanksgiving 2016. “Just 15 at the time, I thought he was returning home. Opening the door, I faced a heartbreaking scene,” she recalled.
The Biden Justice Department opted not to disburse the Lafarge funds while the ongoing case remained in French courts. There have been inquiries, including from U.S. Rep. Andy Biggs about the timing for releasing these crucial funds.
“We know about the victims and will strive to assist them,” then-Attorney General Pam Bondi asserted during a Congressional meeting over a year ago. However, compensation has yet to be distributed.
Most plaintiffs now assert that decisions on fund distribution lie with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. “I don’t understand why we feel overlooked. It’s as if we’re pawns in a larger game,” Dayton expressed, voicing her frustrations as the daughter of Chief Petty Officer Scott Dayton, who dedicated 23 years to service.
Lindsey Stacy mentioned the hardship her family faces due to Kenton’s significant injuries, stating, “Many families would greatly benefit from this fund. We have been waiting almost nine years—it’s pleasing to see some semblance of justice.” She emphasized the need for support not only for her family but for numerous others impacted by these events.
Toral added, “These families, who have lost so much, are the ones truly deserving of compensation from the Victim Compensation Fund. They deserve better treatment from the United States.”
The Justice Department, overseeing the funds forfeited by Lafarge, stated: “We are dedicated to providing full compensation to all victims. While we can’t comment on ongoing matters, we will ensure due process to evaluate claims and that our brave service members receive their rightful compensation.”
