Two men have been sentenced to four months in prison in Monaco after authorities concluded that they could not justify the source of several thousand euros found in their possession. The trial was held in absentia, as neither defendant appeared in court nor was represented by legal counsel, Monaco-Matin report.
The case stems from a traffic stop on 15 June 2024, shortly before midnight, at the entrance to the Principality. Police pulled over a Mercedes carrying three men and discovered a transparent bag containing cash: €2,000 and €2,770, belonging to two of the passengers. Both men were taken into custody for questioning.
Each offered explanations for the money’s origin. One claimed a €12,000 win from sports betting, while the other—already known to French authorities—stated the funds came from selling a car. Investigators were not convinced, as the men failed to provide any proof and refused to allow access to their bank accounts or phones.
Deputy Prosecutor General Thibault Druon characterised the situation as indicative of “clandestine, opaque activity,” suggesting the cash was likely connected to illicit dealings. Following Druon’s recommendations, the court, under President Thierry Deschanels, handed down four-month prison sentences and ordered the confiscation of the seized funds.
The verdict reinforces Monaco’s strict stance against money laundering and its commitment to monitoring financial activity within the Principality.
