The verdict in one of Monaco’s most high-profile cases this year has been announced, with the court finding Samuel T, also known as Samy, not guilty of procuring allegations at the iconic Sass’ Cafe. However, six other individuals were convicted on the charges.
After three days of hearings in April, the Monaco Correctional Court delivered its verdict on Tuesday 14th May.
According to Monaco Matin, who was in court for the proceedings, the prosecutor had alleged that Sass’ Café management enacted “an institutionalised policy” for the procurement of prostitutes at the bar/restaurant on Avenue Princess Grace, famous for its celebrity clientele. Attorney General Valérie Sagné had requested a 12-month prison sentence.
Samuel T, as he has been legally identified and is better known as Samy, together with his former director, Pascal C, were cleared of the charges against them. The General Prosecutor’s Office has 15 days to appeal the decision.
Six people convicted
Three former Sass’ Café employees were, however, found guilty of the charges. According to Monaco Matin, former bouncer Konan Thierry D received an 18-month suspended sentence and €3,000 fine; former security guard Jérémy C was handed a 12-month suspended sentence; and former hostess Assia A received a four-month suspended prison sentence and €1,000 fine.
Monaco Matin reports that three other people, with no professional ties to Sass’ Café, were also convicted in the case. Real estate manager Véronika M was found guilty of renting out two of her apartments in Beausoleil to prostitutes and laundering the proceeds. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison, 15 of which were suspended, and fined €80,000. Having already served pre-trial detention, the woman will not serve any further time in prison.
Bruno S, who was tried in absentia, was sentenced to 24 months in prison, 16 suspended, and fined €20,000 for providing a range of services to the prostitutes, while Alessio N received a six-month prison sentence, four suspended, for his role in procuring the women.
Defence lawyers have 10 days to appeal the decisions.
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