Two men who stole luxury goods from a boutique in Monte Carlo have been sentenced to six months in prison by Monaco’s criminal court…
The pair, both 26-year-old Algerian nationals, were convicted on March 10th, after targeting the Gucci store near the Casino, where they distracted staff whilst stealing a handbag and a bottle of perfume worth a combined €1,445.
The incident took place on February 16, when the suspects entered the boutique posing as customers and began asking numerous questions to divert the attention of the store manager. Taking advantage of the distraction, one of the men concealed the items under his coat before leaving the shop. Police officers from Monaco’s Public Security service arrested the suspects shortly afterwards at Monaco-Monte-Carlo railway station as they were preparing to leave the Principality.
As reported by Monaco Matin, investigators discovered additional luxury goods in their possession, including designer accessories believed to have been stolen from other boutiques along the French Riviera. Security footage from the store confirmed how the theft had been carried out and helped establish the sequence of events.
During the hearing, the defendants admitted their involvement, although they claimed the theft had not been planned. Prosecutors argued that the method used suggested experience with this type of crime.
The court ultimately handed down six-month prison sentences and imposed a ten-year ban from entering Monaco, sending a clear signal that organised shoplifting targeting the Principality’s luxury boutiques will be treated seriously.