Monaco’s Massive Tax Fraud Scandal: several Men Sentenced
In a scheme that rocked Monaco in the 2000s, several men orchestrated a massive carousel-type VAT fraud using local companies. The result? A staggering loss of over 100 million euros to the state.
After more than a decade of investigation, Monegasque courts finally handed down their verdict in this intricate and far-reaching fraud case. The accused faced charges of defrauding the Monegasque state, with tax authorities estimating the damage at over 100 million euros. Three of the men had prior convictions for similar fraud, while a fourth had no previous criminal record. Their modus operandi involved the use of import-export companies in Monaco, participating in a scheme with other European companies to circulate fictitious goods and components. Money was funneled through accounts in Asia, adding layers of complexity.
Key Players: The Mastermind And His Team
One of the men received a six-month suspended sentence, with judges considering him more of an executor than a mastermind. The other three including the mastermind received 18-month suspended sentences.
Paying the Price
All four men were placed on five years of probation and ordered to pay compensation. However, given the enormous sums involved, full recovery by the state seems unlikely. Some defense lawyers have already filed appeals against the verdict, setting the stage for further legal battles.
Time’s Up: Thieves Caught Red-Handed After Monaco Watch Heist
In a dramatic turn of events, Monaco’s Public Security forces nabbed two suspects just hours after they audaciously stole a luxury watch from a European tourist. The heist took place a stone’s throw from Port Hercule. The tourist became the victim of this brazen daylight robbery, losing his luxury watch to two quick-handed thieves. The Public Security swung into action. Officers, backed by high-tech surveillance and the operational command center, launched a rapid-response operation to track down the culprits.
Quick thinking led to the arrest of the suspects a mere few hundred metres from the crime scene. The stolen watch was recovered from the pair, who were immediately placed in custody. The charges against them include theft with multiple aggravating circumstances, violations of arms legislation, and drug-related offenses. The suspects, both of foreign origin now face serious legal consequences.
This robbery adds to a worrying trend on the Côte d’Azur, where multiple high-value watch thefts have been recorded recently, including in Cannes. The authorities are on high alert, ensuring such criminal activities are swiftly and decisively dealt with.
Tiny Driver, Very Big Trouble: Parent Faces Court After Kid’s Car Crash
An unexpected calamity had unfolded in the centre of Monte-Carlo, nearly costing a man his life. As preparations for a prestigious concert were in full swing, a resident of Monaco in his 50s upon exiting a hotel, was struck by a luxury car. The massive vehicle, several tons in weight, severely injured the man, who was urgently transported to Hospital in Nice, facing critical injuries. Despite multiple fractures, hemorrhages, and a coma, he survived with a year and a half of recovery, with lasting physical and psychological effects.
The Surprising Culprit: A Small Child
What began as a holiday in Monaco quickly turned sour for an Eastern family. Just hours after receiving the keys to their rented car , they parked in front of their Hôtel. While the father handed the keys to the valet, their little child , inadvertently pressed the accelerator, sending the car hurtling forward.
During the court proceedings, the question was whether the valet was responsible for both the vehicle and the child. Ultimately, although not the direct cause, the parent was deemed responsible for his child’s actions and found guilty of involuntary injury. He received a fully suspended one-year prison sentence as recommended by the prosecutor.
The court ordered a hefty provisional compensation for the victim, to be paid by the defendant.
