In a notable legal move just before leaving office this summer, former Minister of State Pierre Dartout submitted a request for the annulment of a financial sanction amounting to €136 million imposed on the Monegasque government in connection with the Fishermen's Esplanade project.

On July 30, 2024, Dartout sought the Supreme Court of Monaco to overturn its own rulings from November 29, 2018, and July 25, 2020, which deemed the abandonment of the construction project illegal and awarded €136,992,000 in compensation to Caroli Immo, the intended developer.

The Monegasque state has been reluctant to comply with these court orders, which were seen as definitive.

Pathways for appeal are limited, with neither the Constitution nor the organic ordinance governing the Supreme Court allowing for a retraction unless based on claims of fraud.

Dartout's argument centers around alleged covert collaboration between Caroli Immo and its lawyers, including Thierry Lacoste, a childhood friend of Prince Albert, and purported complicity from Didier Linotte, the Supreme Court president.

The government's 60-page submission articulates suspicions of a conspiracy that allegedly facilitated the state’s heavy financial burden.

The state asserts that recent findings revealed serious misconduct involving Linotte and fraudulent actions managed by Caroli Immo, which escalated to a command for payment last year, followed by a claim lodged with the European Court of Human Rights.

Details from ongoing inquiries point to a civil action initiated by Patrice Pastor through the SCI Esperanza in the spring of 2023. This action reportedly offered the state insights into how it had been deprived of a fair trial.

Consequently, Dartout's request comes four years after the last challenged ruling.

The state claims that it has uncovered evidence of Lacoste's concealed role in the Fishermen's Esplanade proceedings.

Both Lacoste and François-Henri Briard, who represented Caroli Immo, were reportedly linked through a fee agreement stipulating a share of 3% of the awarded compensation.

This arrangement could potentially yield over €12 million, expected to be divided equally between the two attorneys.

In addition to these financial ties, the submission from the state highlights a close relationship between Lacoste and the Supreme Court president, raising questions about Linotte's impartiality.

Among the points raised were communications related to the sale of a vehicle and numerous business lunches between the two men.

Furthermore, the state noted Linotte’s trip to Washington with expenses covered by the Vergennes Foundation, chaired by Briard.

Linotte has dismissed allegations of conflict of interest, maintaining that his recommendation of one of Lacoste's colleagues was based on the attorney's qualifications.

He has acknowledged friendship ties with Lacoste but claims they evolved in a professional context.

Linotte characterized the state's claims about financial flows as payments for legitimate services provided by Lacoste on a separate matter, dismissing the notion of a corrupt payee.

Lacoste has reacted critically to the annulment request, describing it as absurd.

He noted that his supposed covert involvement in the project was merely a strategic choice to ensure discretion.

He claims to have documentation, including messages to Prince Albert, that could clarify the situation but stated these would be shared under specific legal conditions to avoid public exposure.

Despite potential legal ramifications stemming from Dartout's allegations, neither Lacoste nor Linotte has ruled out pursuing judicial action against the former minister.

Meanwhile, Caroli Immo has declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the legal proceedings.