Rambo Goes Rogue: a Monaco Tourist and His Arsenal
An eastern tourist, known for his imposing physique and an arsenal of weapons on hand, has found himself facing a significant prison sentence in Monaco. This individual, whose appearance and confidence resemble an action movie character, was apprehended by Monaco’s authorities just outside a luxurious Hôtel. His choice of “protection” included a loaded handgun, a lengthy switchblade, and enough fentanyl to raise alarms.
The individual in his 40s who lives in Europe, claimed that he armed himself due to threats. In addition to his defensive gear, police also discovered over 10.000 euros in undeclared cash, with part of it suspected to be tied to financial fraud. He was attempting to enter a luxury sports car, reportedly valued at over 250.000 euros, linked to money laundering activities. Documents inside the vehicle revealed transactions related to luxury cars, raising further suspicions of financial misconduct.
In court, he was charged with several offenses, including violations of Monaco’s stringent weapon laws, drug possession, undeclared cash, and money laundering. Despite his stoic demeanor during the sentencing, he faces 15 months behind bars, followed by a decade-long ban from reentering Monaco.
This case highlights Monaco’s no-tolerance stance on illicit activities, especially within its borders known for discretion.
Luxury Wheels, Welfare, and Winnings? Tourist’s High-Stakes Monaco Trip Goes South
A man in his 30s visiting Monaco for a Champions League game, ended up with more than he bargained for when he faced charges related to money laundering. The accused was stopped carrying over 4,000 euros in cash and a high-priced scooter, despite being unemployed and on welfare. He explained that his girlfriend had gifted him the scooter and that the cash was from casino winnings, but the court wasn’t convinced.
In the hearing, the prosecution highlighted his criminal record and previous imprisonment, suggesting that his financial transactions pointed to undeclared vehicle sales. Numerous car photos and cash transfer records on his phone led to further suspicion. The prosecutor argued that the lack of clear evidence for the origins of his funds justified prosecution, requesting a six-month sentence and asset confiscation.
His lawyer challenged the charges as speculative, noting that his client had cooperated fully and maintained innocence. Ultimately, the court sentenced him to two months in prison, suspended for four, with a five-year ban from Monaco and the confiscation of his assets.
A Close Shave: Monaco’s Elderly Driver Misses a Full Stop and Nearly Stops Hearts
In early December, a bright morning in Monaco turned alarming when a car driven by a woman in her seventies collided with a motorcycle. In the seconds following impact, the two young riders were launched several meters into the air, coming to rest on the street a considerable distance from their vehicle.
The driver, familiar with the area, was attempting a turn into her driveway. She later told police she believed the motorbike was “far away” when she began the maneuver, citing the riders’ speed as a contributing factor. However, footage from surveillance cameras showed that she hadn’t come to a full stop before turning, a critical lapse according to the prosecution.
The incident, while “extremely violent,” thankfully spared the riders from life-threatening injuries, though both sustained significant fractures and lacerations. The deputy prosecutor, describing the video evidence as “impressive,” asserted that the motorbike was not to blame and expressed concern over the driver’s judgment and driving skills.
In court, the septuagenarian was absent, reportedly due to her not receiving official notifications. In her absence, the court issued her a suspended fine of €1,000. Prosecutors had requested a six-month suspended sentence, a €500 fine, and a temporary license suspension to reinforce the importance of road safety. The injured riders, still undergoing treatment, have filed for civil damages.
This case underscores the importance of caution on Monaco’s streets, especially in areas with complex traffic flows.
