According to French media reports, the controversial partnership between AS Monaco and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has officially escalated into a judicial case, involving three serious offenses: corruption, money laundering and embezzlement of funds.
The Monaco Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed on Monday that a preliminary investigation had been opened into the case, following a formal complaint submitted to the Monaco judiciary last month by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF).
Didier Budimbu, Minister of Sports of the DR Congo, is accused of signing the three-year, €4.8 million partnership agreement — intended to promote DR Congo’s tourism image — in complete opacity. The deal was handled by AS Monaco’s General Manager Tiago Scuro.
Monaco’s Public Prosecutor Stéphane Thibaut confirmed to L’Équipe and Journal de Monaco that the investigation had been assigned to the Economic and Financial Affairs Department of the Principality’s Directorate of Public Safety.
In response to the allegations, Minister Budimbu posted a defense on X on February 18, claiming “absolute integrity” and stressing that the process was transparent and approved by the government. However, lawyers for the complainant pointed out that the contract was neither put out to tender nor included in the finance bill, violating Congolese public policy.
For its part, AS Monaco insists it took “all usual precautions” before finalizing the agreement.
Barcelona and Milan Dragged In; Total Value Nearly €90 Million
DR Congo has signed similar tourism promotion agreements in Europe with Barcelona and AC Milan, with a total value of nearly €90 million. Diakis, lawyer for the complainant, revealed to the press that he is seriously considering reporting these contracts to the Spanish and Italian judicial authorities, alleging a systemic pattern of wasteful spending.
