Monaco remains one of the world’s biggest targets for luxury watch thieves, but recent cases suggest it is also becoming one of the hardest places for them to get away with their crimes…
The latest example came on Friday evening, when two Argentine nationals allegedly robbed a well-known automotive influencer of a Patek Philippe World Time worth between €75,000 and €80,000 on Quai Albert Ier. As reported by Monaco-Matin, one of the men allegedly struck the victim before snatching the watch and fleeing on a scooter driven by his accomplice.
The escape proved short-lived. Monaco’s Public Security officers tracked down and arrested both suspects within around 90 minutes, recovering the watch before either man had left the Principality. Both were remanded in custody and remain behind bars after requesting that their trial be postponed until July 24.
The case follows another attempted watch theft reported just days earlier, as well as several incidents during the Monaco Grand Prix. In many cases, police have recovered the stolen watches and swiftly identified suspects through the Principality’s extensive surveillance network and rapid-response policing.
The consequences also extend well beyond Monaco itself. Whilst suspects are arrested, charged and tried in Monaco, custodial sentences are generally served in French prisons under long-standing agreements between the Principality and France. Those convicted can therefore find themselves serving lengthy prison terms in facilities such as Marseille rather than remaining in Monaco.
That reality stands in stark contrast to neighbouring parts of the Riviera, where organised watch theft gangs have often managed to disappear after attacks. Recent robberies in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, for example, saw suspects escape despite a major investigation by French authorities.
Monaco’s wealth will always make it attractive to organised criminals, particularly South American gangs that travel to Europe specifically to target luxury watches. Yet recent events suggest a clear pattern is emerging; the chances of escaping with the watch are becoming increasingly slim. For criminals contemplating a quick payday, Monaco may offer rich pickings, but increasingly, it also offers a fast route to prison.