Thierry Lacoste, the former lawyer and childhood friend of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II, has publicly rejected the corruption allegations against him, describing the investigation as a smokescreen designed to serve other interests…
Speaking for the first time since spending two and a half days in police custody, he insisted that the accusations were unfounded and confirmed his intention to challenge his indictment. As reported by Monaco-Matin, Lacoste was charged on September 5 with criminal conspiracy, active corruption of a public official, influence peddling and money laundering. Investigators questioned him about several major property developments, including Tour Odéon, Testimonio, Les Giroflées, La Crémaillère and the Esplanade des Pêcheurs.
Lacoste maintains that his involvement in these projects was entirely legitimate. Regarding Tour Odéon, he argues that his law firm began representing the Marzocco family only after agreements with the State had been signed. He also disputes suggestions that he improperly influenced decisions concerning the Esplanade des Pêcheurs development, insisting that subsequent negotiations were conducted directly with the authorities.
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The lawyer believes the proceedings are connected to ongoing financial disputes involving the Monegasque State. He points particularly to the abandoned Esplanade des Pêcheurs project, which resulted in a €136 million compensation ruling in favour of the Caroli group, and a separate disagreement over legal fees relating to La Crémaillère.
Lacoste also dismissed allegations surrounding the so-called G4, an informal circle of influential Monaco figures whose meetings attracted scrutiny during the Monaco Files affair. He described the gatherings as occasional discussions of legal matters rather than evidence of wrongdoing.
His lawyers intend to seek the annulment of the indictment. The allegations remain subject to judicial investigation, and no finding of guilt has been made.
