Bank Thieves Cause Blockade in Monaco

After a bank theft of 103, 400 Euros, Monaco officials blockaded all entry and exit points into the country, Monday.

According to the Riviera Times, five men and two women entered the Credit Foncier Monaco Bank in the afternoon and one of the men dropped "a wallet full of money on the floor," prompting a teller to pick it up as another one of the theives moved behind the counter and grabbed the cash.

After news of the theft a complete country blockade was arranged with "rigourous checks" performed at all entry points. No sign of the group was stopped in the process of this blockade but one of the women thieves was caught by the bank manager immediately following the theft. Being taken into custody, this woman alleged that the group came "to pickpocket but had changed their plans when they 'noticed' the 'opportunities,'" as reported by the Riviera Times.The exit blockade did not yield any suspects despite the use of extensive French resources.

Aerial view of the Credit Foncier Bank located

on the Port Hercule

Photo Courtesy of nicerendezvous.com

Former Monaco Minister of State Died

Jean-Paul Proust, former Monaco Minister of State died Wednesday night, just 10 days after resigning from his position that he held for almost five years. He was best known for his efforts in removing Monaco from "uncooperative" status in regards to tax issues. He also worked on the implementation of public housing.

According to the Monaco-IQ, he had "been ill for several months before quitting the post of Monaco's Minister of State after finishing his 5 year term."

Proust also facilitated in strengthening the already strong relations between France and Monaco.