Full Breakdown
Military Families Seek Lafarge Compensation
5/23/2026, 10:50:58 PM
Lawsuit Over Lafarge’s ISIS-Financing Forfeiture
Nearly 1,000 plaintiffs, families of U.S. service members, have filed a civil suit in the Eastern District of New York seeking distribution of the $777 million forfeiture fund held by the Department of Justice. They argue the money, seized from Lafarge Cement for bribing ISIS, should compensate victims injured or killed while serving in Syria.
Background & Context
Lafarge’s Syrian subsidiary paid $6.5 million to ISIS in 2013-2014 to keep its Jalabiya cement plant operating; the cement was later used for ISIS tunnels and bunkers. In 2022 the company pleaded guilty to terrorism-financing and forfeited $777 million to the DOJ. A French court in April 2026 convicted Lafarge and former CEO Bruno Lafont of providing material support to the group. The plant was bought for $680 million before the Syrian uprising.
Key Figures & Groups
Lead plaintiffs are Chief Petty Officer Kenton Stacy, a quadriplegic former Navy EOD specialist, his wife Lindsey Stacy, and Gold-Star daughter Hailey Dayton. Their attorney is Todd Toral of Jenner & Block. The case also involves Lafarge Cement, former CEO Bruno Lafont, the DOJ, Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), and former Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Why It Matters
The case tests whether a multinational corporation can be held financially accountable in U.S. courts for financing terrorism abroad and determines how seized assets are allocated to American service-member victims, setting a precedent for future terrorism-financing forfeitures.
Official Statements & Responses
The DOJ said it is “committed to compensating all victims to the maximum extent permitted by law,” but declined comment on case. Rep. Andy Biggs urged the DOJ to review petitions for remission, calling the prior administration’s inaction “ignoring these victims.” Former Attorney General Pam Bondi said the department is “aware” and “committed to supporting the victims” as process moves forward.
Criticism & Opposition
Families say DOJ’s delay deprives them of support. Todd Toral called the French conviction “significant,” noting it is a rare case of corporate executives being held accountable for terrorism. Lindsey Stacy stressed the financial strain on her household, citing her husband’s quadriplegia and their son’s cerebral-palsy care.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I mean, they were essentially funneling money to fund terrorists and ISIS and all these heinous crimes and evil acts,” — Lindsey Stacy, wife of Kenton Stacy
- “I was 15 when my dad was killed,” — Hailey Dayton, daughter of Chief Petty Officer Scott Dayton
- “I don’t know why. I don’t know why they’re ignoring us. To me, it feels like being a pawn. My dad, he went in when he was 19, he served 23 years,” — Hailey Dayton
- “We can think of no group of people who are more worthy of receiving compensation from that victim’s compensation fund than these families who lost a son, lost a brother, lost a husband, and they deserve to be treated better by the United States of America,” — Todd Toral
What’s Next
The Department of Justice, now led by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, must decide whether to release any portion of the $777 million fund. Plaintiffs expect further congressional pressure and may pursue additional litigation if the DOJ does not act before the end of the fiscal year.
