The former President of Monaco’s Supreme Court, Didier Linotte, has been formally indicted following a lengthy investigation into alleged corruption, influence peddling, and money laundering, according to information initially reported by Monaco-Matin.
Linotte, 77, spent two days in police custody this week before being brought before an investigating judge, who placed him under judicial supervision pending further legal proceedings. The charges mark a dramatic fall from grace for the former top magistrate, who led the Principality’s highest court for over a decade.
The investigation dates back to 2021, when leaked documents known as the “Rock Files” and “Monaco Leaks” surfaced online, implicating several high-profile figures in Monaco’s political and judicial circles. Among those named was Linotte, along with former Crown Property Administrator Claude Palmero, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II’s lawyer Thierry Lacoste, and former Chief of Staff Laurent Anselmi.
The leaked documents alleged that this informal group, dubbed the “G4,” manipulated state decisions to benefit private interests. One case in particular—the controversial Esplanade des Pêcheurs real estate project—drew significant scrutiny after the Supreme Court, under Linotte’s presidency, awarded nearly 137 million euros in compensation to developer Antonio Caroli. Rival businessman Patrice Pastor later filed a formal complaint, prompting the Monegasque state to join the legal action in 2024, citing “extremely serious facts” and accusing Linotte of bias.
However, according to Monaco-Matin, Linotte’s indictment this week is believed to be connected to parallel concerns, including his private consultancy work through Alma Marceau Transactions while still serving as Supreme Court president. Though not explicitly prohibited at the time, the overlap between his judicial role and private activities raised concerns at the highest levels of government.
While Linotte officially ceased his private business at the end of 2017, investigators have reportedly been examining whether he continued providing consultancy services beyond that date. His lawyer, Pascal-Pierre Garbarini, maintains that any such activities were legal and consistent with the commitments Linotte made to HSH Prince Albert II.
Garbarini has dismissed the accusations, describing them as “questionable” and pledging to challenge every element of the case. Despite four years of investigation, Linotte’s legal team claims they have only now been granted access to the full file.
The case marks yet another chapter in the ongoing saga surrounding the Principality’s judiciary and political elite, with more legal battles likely to follow.
