Thierry Lacoste, a lawyer and former advisor to Prince Albert II of Monaco, has appeared before an investigative court. The case concerns a corruption scandal involving the collapse of a major construction project. The DPA agency reports.
A judge has opened criminal proceedings against him on suspicion of forming a criminal group, bribing a public official, abuse of office and money laundering. Lacoste has now been released on bail.
Lacoste, a former school friend and legal adviser to Albert, was arrested on Wednesday, September 2. After questioning, his detention was extended twice. The lawyer denies the charges and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
According to Lacoste, he was accused by a major real estate developer who was unhappy with the fact that he was not awarded several projects in Monaco. The defense claims that the businessman is trying to use the government's judicial system for his own interests.
The case concerns the Esplanade des Pêcheurs project, a large-scale development project that was supposed to include residential and commercial areas, a museum and infrastructure for Formula 1 racing. The project was suspended, after which a multi-year legal dispute began between the Monaco authorities and a private developer. In the framework of this case, the Monaco state was previously ordered to pay the developer about 136 million euros in compensation (without interest).
The scandal surrounding Prince Albert's former associates erupted in 2021 after the publication of an anonymous dossier. Four former proxies of the prince, who became known as the "G4", were accused of embezzlement and attempts to gain control over Monaco.
They, in turn, stated that the aforementioned large developer had influence over the decisions of the Monaco authorities.
In June 2025, judicial supervision was also established against Didier Linot, the former president of the Supreme Court of Monaco. He was accused of corruption, money laundering and abuse of influence.
The scandal also affected the process of forming a government. In the summer of 2025, the newly appointed head of government resigned a week before taking office, stating that attempts had been made to impede the performance of his duties.
Monaco has been criticized for years for its inadequate fight against money laundering and financial crimes.
In 2025, the European Commission included Monaco in the list of countries with strategic deficiencies in this area.
