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Day: 20 November 2025

French prosecutors seize nearly €1 million in luxury goods and cash in Beaulieu-sur-Mer fraud probe

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/11/2025

French authorities have uncovered what they describe as a wide-reaching fraud and money laundering scheme involving a family in Beaulieu-sur-Mer, with alleged abuse of the national social welfare system at its core.

In a statement issued on 19th November, the Public Prosecutor of Nice, Damien Martinelli, confirmed that three people — two men and one woman — are to face formal judicial investigation following a large-scale operation carried out by military personnel in the Menton region the previous day.

“The extensive investigations conducted appeared to confirm a significant discrepancy between spending, financial flows and the income declared, which primarily came from family allowance benefits,” said Martinelli, pointing to significant disparities between declared income and actual lifestyle.

The preliminary investigation, opened at the end of 2024, was led by a specialist unit of the Nice prosecutor’s office and assigned to the gendarmerie’s research brigade in Menton. It focused on individuals already known to authorities and suspected of drug trafficking and other financial offences. Several were found to be living in apparent luxury, far beyond their officially declared means.

Authorities allege the suspects used social welfare benefits as their primary declared income while simultaneously spending vast sums on luxury goods, gambling, and high-end vehicles. Searches took place in several locations, including Monaco, under a formal request for mutual legal assistance issued to Monegasque authorities.

The operation resulted in the seizure of €76,000 in cash — some of it packaged — along with a €22,000 winning casino ticket, multiple luxury watches including five Rolexes, high-end leather goods such as Vuitton bags, and two cars and two scooters. “The cash and goods seized were valued at around €290,000,” said Martinelli. Additional seizures from bank accounts exceeded €610,000.

Five people, all from the same family, were arrested. Three will be brought before a judge on charges including organised money laundering, tax fraud, fraudulent insolvency, and defrauding a social organisation. The two male suspects, born in 1982 and 1983, have prior convictions for extortion, aggravated violence, weapons offences, and drug crimes, and have previously served prison sentences. The third suspect, their sister, has no criminal record.

The prosecutor confirmed that he is seeking pre-trial detention for the brothers and judicial supervision for the sister.

“As part of an agreement signed with the family benefits agency (CAF) of the Alpes-Maritimes, information may be shared to assist with recovering any unduly received payments,” Martinelli added.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Photo credit: Txllxt TxllxT, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Louvre to overhaul security following €88 million crown jewels heist

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/11/2025

The Louvre Museum in Paris is set to install around 100 new surveillance cameras and introduce anti-intrusion systems following the audacious theft of crown jewels in October, one of the most significant art heists in recent French history.

Museum director Laurence des Cars announced the measures during a hearing before the National Assembly’s Committee of Cultural Affairs on 19th November. She revealed that the new surveillance network will be in place by the end of 2026, while the anti-intrusion equipment will begin installation within the next two weeks. These systems are designed to protect the museum’s perimeter and prevent unauthorised access to the buildings.

The 19th October robbery saw thieves break into the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery using a freight lift to gain entry through a window. Armed with disc cutters typically used on concrete, they forced open display cases and stole eight pieces from the French crown jewellery collection. The operation lasted less than eight minutes. Des Cars explained that the display cases, redesigned in 2019, had been reinforced to resist internal attacks involving weapons, not external break-ins using construction tools.

Footage from the museum’s existing cameras reportedly shows the cases withstanding the assault longer than expected. However, the breach exposed serious gaps in the museum’s perimeter defences. In response, the Louvre will also appoint a dedicated security coordinator as part of more than 20 emergency actions.

The improvements form a key part of the €800 million ‘Louvre New Renaissance’ plan, which includes infrastructure modernisation and the creation of a dedicated Mona Lisa gallery by 2031. Des Cars also reiterated concerns about overcrowding, reminding the committee that the museum’s pyramid was originally designed to host four million visitors annually, while numbers now regularly exceed eight million.

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Photo credit: Cassandra Tanti 

Paris-Panthéon-Assas joins Monegasque law diploma to expand access to Monaco’s legal system

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
20/11/2025

The prestigious Université Paris-Panthéon-Assas has now become the third university to join the Inter-University Diploma (DIU) in Monegasque Law, following a signing ceremony held on November 20th at the Palais de Justice.

The new partnership brings together the Monegasque Institute for Training in Legal Professions (IMFPJ), the Université Nice Côte d’Azur, the Université d’Aix-Marseille, and Paris-Panthéon-Assas, a significant step in making Monaco’s legal system known and accessible beyond its borders. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Samuel Vuelta Simon, Secretary of State for Justice, explained the purpose of the diploma. “We all observe, and I myself noticed upon arriving in the Principality, that Monaco’s justice system was poorly known, poorly understood, poorly identified,” he said. “This diploma seeks to change that by providing students outside Monaco with a solid understanding of our unique legal system.”

However, beyond education, the diploma has another role, which is to inspire young Monegasque students to consider careers in the justice system, including competitive examinations such as the magistracy exam. The latter, Vuelta Simon described as a personal recruitment priority. He also added that Monaco’s justice system is “a quality, fully independent system, delivered in serene conditions, serving the needs of all residents, whether Monegasque or not.”

Historic ties with Paris

Stéphane Braconnier, President of Paris-Panthéon-Assas university, welcomed the partnership, highlighting longstanding connections between the university and the Principality.

“The links between Monaco and Paris-Panthéon-Assas are very old,” he said. “Professors from our university, heir to the Faculty of Law of the University of Paris, have served on Monaco’s Supreme Court and other Monegasque judicial bodies. Many Monegasque students already study here, making this collaboration a natural fit.”

Braconnier also stressed the growing complexity of Monegasque law and the contemporary challenges facing the Principality, noting that the DIU strengthens the capacity of young students to engage with these issues.

Moments before signing, from left to right: Yves Strickler, Stéphane Braconnier, Samuel Vuelta Simon, Jean-Philippe Vinci and Delphine Lanzara. Photo by Monaco Life.

Open to all students and professionals

While the diploma primarily targets Monegasque students studying in Nice, Aix-en-Provence, or Paris, it is also open to French students and those from other universities. Professionals already working in the legal field can also participate through continuing education programs to specialise in Monegasque law or offer enhanced services to clients.

Jean-Philippe Vinci, Monaco’s Director of National Education, was present at the ceremony, also showing the government’s commitment. Vuelta Simon noted, “By informing and preparing our young Monégasques for these pathways, we hope they will be eager to return with experience and knowledge to serve the Principality, whether through the justice system or other public service.”

Yves Strickler, Scientific director of the IMFPJ, also added the broader significance of the diploma. “Training is a necessity,” he said. “It ensures that Monegasque law is known, recognised, and properly understood. By offering this program to French and Monegasque students, as well as to professionals, we promote the particularities of Monegasque law and, in doing so, support one of the pillars of the country’s sovereignty.”

Launched in September 2024, the DIU offers 120 hours of training over three years alongside students’ regular university studies. With Paris-Panthéon-Assas now joining, the program strengthens the international reach of Monaco’s legal education and creates new opportunities for students to engage with the Principality’s justice system.

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From left to right: Yves Strickler, Stéphane Braconnier, Samuel Vuelta Simon, Jean-Philippe Vinci and Delphine Lanzara. Photo by Monaco Life.

Road closures and detours for Beking Monaco this Sunday

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/11/2025

Beking Monaco returns on Sunday 23rd November, bringing world-class cyclists and community energy to the Port Hercule area. With it comes a series of traffic and parking restrictions that locals should prepare for.

Now in its fifth year, Beking Monaco has become more than just a cycling race — it’s a celebration of sport, community and charity. Set against the iconic backdrop of Port Hercule, the event draws international athletes, local cycling fans and families together for a festive day of competition and cause. But while the atmosphere promises to be vibrant, residents should brace for significant disruptions to vehicle access and parking throughout the day.

Roads closed for Sunday’s festivities

Vehicle traffic will be halted from 4am to 6:30pm on Sunday 23rd November along key arteries around the port. These include Quai des États-Unis, from the restricted zone to its intersection with Route de la Piscine, as well as Route de la Piscine itself, Avenue J.F. Kennedy, and the southern dock, known as Darse Sud. While access to the Jules Soccal dock will be maintained under controlled conditions, it will only be allowed during fixed windows managed by event organisers. Meanwhile, traffic will continue on Boulevard Albert I, but only in its service lane, and a one-way traffic flow will be imposed along Quai Antoine I, beginning just after the Rocher Noghès tunnel and continuing to the Esplanade des Pêcheurs. Vehicles exiting Parking Antoine I, as well as those coming from the tunnel, will be required to turn right toward the Esplanade.

Parking bans to begin days in advance

Parking restrictions will begin well ahead of race day. From 6am on Thursday 21st November until 6am on Monday 24th, no vehicles will be allowed to park along Quai des États-Unis between the regulated access area and Route de la Piscine, on Route de la Piscine itself, in the Louis Chiron bend, on the first part of the Jules Soccal dock, or at Darse Sud. Further bans will apply on Boulevard Albert I from 11pm on Saturday 22nd November until Sunday evening, and on Quai Antoine I from 4am to 6:30pm on the day of the race.

Public transport also affected

CAM Line 1, which connects Monaco-Ville and Saint-Roman, will be rerouted via Avenue d’Ostende, meaning the “Kennedy” and “Auditorium Rainier III” stops will be out of service for the day. The stops at “Spélugues”, “Citronniers” and “Place du Casino” will only be served by Lines 5 and 6.

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Photo credit: Manuel Vitali, Government Department of Communications 

Through the lens: A visual journey through Monaco’s National Day with the Princely Family

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/11/2025

Monaco’s National Day, celebrated on 19th November, unfolded in a rich display of tradition, grandeur, and ceremonial precision. From the solemn rhythms of the cathedral mass to the regal choreography of the military parade and the symbolic wave from the Palace balcony, every moment reflected the enduring bond between the Sovereign and the people.

All of it — the pageantry, the heritage, the quiet emotion and national pride — was captured with striking clarity by Palace photographers Michaël Alesi and Frédéric Nebinger, whose images offer a visual chronicle of a day that blends coveted tradition with the spirit of modern Monaco.

Click on the gallery below to view the full selection of images…

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Baroque concerts set to enchant Monaco in December

by: Cassandra Tanti
20/11/2025

Monaco’s Department of Cultural Affairs will host two evenings of sacred baroque music in early December, featuring renowned ensembles Les Passions, Dulci Jubilo, and Concerto Soave in two historic churches.

Monaco’s cultural calendar will close the year on a harmonious note with a pair of Baroque music concerts presented by the Direction des Affaires Culturelles. The first will take place on 2nd December at 8:30pm at the Église du Sacré-Cœur in the Moneghetti district, where the Ensemble Les Passions will perform a programme entitled 1643, l’héritage italien.

This intimate ensemble of four musicians — including two violins, a viola da gamba and an organ — will be joined by the chamber choir Dulci Jubilo for a moving exploration of early Baroque music. The concert will trace the lineage from the Venetian master Claudio Monteverdi through Giacomo Carissimi to Marc-Antoine Charpentier, featuring Carissimi’s dramatic oratorio Jephte, composed in 1648 and considered a landmark of Italian sacred music.

A luminous finale at Saint-Charles

On 4th December at 8:30pm, the Église Saint-Charles in Monte-Carlo will host the second concert, Des Ténèbres à la Lumière, performed by the acclaimed Ensemble Concerto Soave. Led by Jean-Marc Aymes, the group was founded following his collaboration with Argentine soprano María Cristina Kiehr and is celebrated for its refined interpretations of 17th-century music.

This performance will take audiences on a contemplative journey from darkness to light, culminating in the jubilant promise of Christmas. The ensemble will perform cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach, whose sacred compositions remain central to the Western canon. A distinguished vocal quartet will accompany the instrumentalists, delivering both spiritual depth and exquisite musicality.

Free entry and pre-concert gatherings

Both evenings will be preceded by a convivial welcome at 8pm. Entry to the concerts is free, subject to availability. Full programme details are available via the Department of Cultural Affairs at culture.mc.

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Photo credit: Larisa Birta Slbocnlwnha, Unsplash