Prince Albert's Childhood Friend Charged in Monaco Corruption Case
By Zak Jackson, MonacoViews Editorial
Lawyer Thierry Lacoste has been formally charged by Monaco's judiciary on Saturday 5 September 2026 with influence peddling, corruption and organised money laundering.
Thierry Lacoste, a prominent lawyer long known as a close childhood friend of Prince Albert II, was charged by Monaco's investigating magistrates on Saturday 5 September following three days of questioning by the Monegasque police. The charges cover influence peddling, corruption and money laundering as part of an organised criminal network.
The indictment marks a significant moment for the Principality's justice system, bringing formal proceedings against a figure with deep ties to the ruling family and the upper reaches of Monaco's legal and social establishment. Lacoste has operated at the intersection of sport, law and high-net-worth clientele for many years, making his charging a matter of serious public interest well beyond the Principality's borders.
No further details on the precise allegations or the identities of other parties involved in the alleged network have been made public at this stage. The case is expected to develop in the weeks ahead as the judicial investigation continues.