Thierry Lacoste, a Paris lawyer and former close friend of Prince Albert II, has been held for questioning by Monaco police as part of a wide-ranging investigation into alleged influence peddling..
Lacoste had been questioned since Wednesday and was expected to spend a second night in custody on Thursday, according to Monaco Matin. Monaco’s public prosecutor had neither confirmed nor denied the detention when approached, although a spokesperson for Lacoste confirmed that he was in Monaco answering investigators’ questions.
The inquiry follows complaints concerning alleged corruption, influence peddling, money laundering and unlawful conflicts of interest. Former president of Monaco’s Supreme Court Didier Linotte was charged in connection with the investigation in June 2025.
It is reported that investigators are particularly interested in the long-running Esplanade des Pêcheurs affair. Monaco’s Supreme Court previously ruled against the State over its withdrawal from the Port Hercule development project, awarding promoter Antonio Caroli compensation of €137 million.
The ongoing criminal investigation is examining potential business links between Caroli, who died last year, and Lacoste.
Lacoste’s spokesperson strongly disputes the basis of the proceedings, arguing that they stem from allegations published by the anonymous Dossiers du Rocher website and describing the situation as an “absolute scandal”.
No finding of wrongdoing against Lacoste has been established.
Image: Matthias Mullie