Three people have been charged in Monaco in connection with a large-scale fraud involving the registration of luxury vehicles using Monegasque license plates. According to the Monaco public prosecutor’s office, two of the suspects have been placed in provisional detention, while the third is under judicial supervision. The investigation began after the Economic Development Department received reports alleging the “undue” acquisition of administrative documents related to vehicle registration.
In September 2023, the Monaco Public Prosecutor’s Office launched a formal investigation, which was later handed over to the Public Security Service. By March 2024, the case was being overseen by a Monegasque investigating judge, with charges including “forgery and use of forgery, fraud, receiving stolen goods, money laundering, and breach of trust.” The investigation uncovered a sophisticated scheme in which individuals with no actual ties to Monaco were registering their luxury vehicles in the Principality.
This allowed them to evade environmental penalties abroad and avoid certain road traffic offences. Participants in the scheme allegedly paid several thousand euros annually to have their vehicles registered with individuals or professionals in Monaco to obtain the prestigious license plates. Coordinated arrest and search operations took place on Thursday, September 12, involving both Monegasque and French authorities.
Following these operations, three individuals were presented before a Monegasque judge. Two were detained, and one was placed under judicial supervision as the investigation continues..
