A former police commissioner and two former officers are among those being tried over a scheme to grant residency in Monaco to a wealthy Belgian businessman and his relatives.
The trial got under way this week in the city-state's criminal court.
At the heart of the affair is Pierre Salik, a Belgian textile magnate who, along with around 15 family members, secured residency in Monaco – a status highly prized for its generous tax perks.
Monegasque residents – estimated at around 30,000 in number – are mostly exempt from income tax, with French and American citizens the only exceptions to this.
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Obtaining resident status in the enclave usually entails strict requirements.
According to the prosecution, Salik's family rented apartments and bought AS Monaco football season tickets to give the appearance of residency – but sublet their properties, which is strictly forbidden in Monaco.
Accused of masterminding the operation is a former police commissioner, now 72. He is joined in the dock by two former officers and a real estate agent.
Six associates of the property agent are also facing trial for varying degrees of involvement in the scheme, while the commissioner’s ex-wife is being tried for money laundering and concealment.
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'Lavish lifestyle'
During the investigation, she accused her former husband of harassment and attempted extortion – charges he also faces – and revealed that he had accepted tens of thousands of euros and two luxury cars from Salik.
She admitted to depositing €20,000 in cash in multiple instalments, claiming the money came from occasional sex work – which is legal in Monaco.
Perks allegedly awarded to the former officers reportedly included modest sums of cash, spa subscriptions and football tickets.
In a letter to his children, the former commissioner, whose identity is protected for legal reasons, claimed his actions were motivated by a desire to fund his ex-wife’s lavish lifestyle – although he later told investigators he was the target of false accusations.
Salik, who struck a plea bargain in Belgium in 2020, passed away in January aged 95.
The trial is expected to run until 17 June.
(with newswires)
