The homes of several high-profile Monegasques, including Prince Albert’s former Administrator of Properties Claude Palmero, have reportedly been searched by police in connection to the claims of fraud, cronyism and corruption made by the controversial website Les Dossiers du Rocher. 

Back in 2021, a website called Les Dossier du Rocher popped up and began sharing apparently confidential documents and emails linked to a group of high-profile officials from the Principality.  

The website accused Prince Albert’s “inner circle”, namely his personal wealth manager Claude Palmero, his chief of staff Laurent Anselmi, his lawyer and childhood friend Thierry Lacoste, and the president of Monaco’s Supreme Court Didier Linotte, of fraud, cronyism and corruption as well as attempting to influence Monaco’s highly lucrative world of property and real estate. 

Homes in Monaco, Paris and Nice searched

All four denied any involvement and filed official complaints, however, French news outlet Le Monde has now reported that the homes of these men were searched in mid-July as part of an investigation into the claims made by Les Dossiers du Rocher.  

The properties are believed to be the offices, primary residences and second homes of the four in locations including Monaco, Paris and Nice.  

Palermo and Anselmi stepped down from their long-held roles within days of each other in June 2023. At the time of their resignations, Prince Albert extended his thanks to the two men, citing their “professionalism” whilst working at his side.

The Palace and Prince Albert have refrained from making any public comment on the recent developments. Monaco’s Attonery General has also refused to be drawn into discussions at this stage of investigations.  

The identities of authors and publishers of the website remain hidden, but Monaco property magnate Patrice Pastor is believed to be among its backers.  

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Photo source: Mony Misheal, Unsplash