"White collar" liability for international crimes: the Lafarge cases

This paper addresses the connection between International Criminal Law (ICL) and Economic Criminal Law, discussing the theoretical frameworks of criminal liability of corporations and corporate agents for gross human rights violations. In addition, it discusses the cases brought against Lafarge and its subsidiaries and executives in the United States and France for conducting business with the Islamic State. It concludes that, while contemporary international courts generally do not have jurisdiction over legal persons, the special part of ICL provides a useful framework for addressing misconduct at the domestic level and warns economic actors of liability risks.