Fake Aristocrat Jailed in Nice for Scamming Actor Dany Boon out of €7 Million

 Society & Scandal

A Frenchman who posed as an Irish nobleman has been sentenced to five years in prison by the Nice Criminal Court after defrauding beloved French actor Dany Boon of nearly €7 million.

Thierry Fialek-Birles, 36, who called himself Lord Terry Birles of Ireland, was convicted of fraud, forgery, and money laundering in a scam involving fake investments, offshore accounts, and luxury yachts. He also faces a €300,000 fine and a separate money-laundering probe in Monaco.

Fialek-Birles convinced Boon to invest millions in a bogus yacht management company and a non-existent tax-free financial product supposedly tied to the Central Bank of Ireland. After years on the run, he was finally arrested in Panama in 2024 and extradited to France.

The Nice court called the scheme “sophisticated and audacious,” while Monaco’s ongoing investigation aims to uncover whether any of the stolen funds passed through local accounts.

Society & Scandal

There are countless reasons to fall in love with the French Riviera and Monaco. As someone fascinated by sociology, what has captivated me since day one of my arrival in the area is the ever-present sense of mystery—perhaps born from the region’s rich history—that seems to linger just beneath the surface of local society.

From time to time, I’ll be sharing true stories from local news that reveal the drama, intrigue, and sometimes outrageous personalities that make this corner of the world so endlessly enthralling.

These real-life characters, for better or worse, have all contributed to the Riviera’s enduring allure—a place where many people come to pursue their dreams… hopefully in a legal way.

While I’ll resist the temptation of idle gossip, I’ll focus on verified newsworthy stories that highlight the colorful cast of individuals who live in or pass through this region, much like in other parts of the world.

Side note: I originally planned to create a dedicated section for these stories on the site, but since that’s not currently possible, so you’ll find them posted under the subtitle “Society & Scandal.”

Monaco Pushes for Equal Parental Rights in Same-Sex Families

 

Since 2019, Monaco has recognized civil unions for both homosexual and heterosexual couples; however, same-sex marriage remains unrecognized. This legal gap has major implications—especially for children of same-sex couples. One National Council member is now speaking out to demand change.

The introduction of the Common Life Contract (CVC) in 2019 was a symbolic step forward, granting rights in areas such as inheritance and illness. Yet it offers no protection for children within same-sex unions. In Monaco, only the biological parent is legally recognized—leaving the other parent without rights in cases of separation or death.

On October 7, National Council member Béatrice Fresko-Rolfo addressed the issue head-on: “Children’s rights must be protected in all circumstances; this principle is neither negotiable nor conditional.” As President of the Commission for Women’s Rights, Family and Equality, she denounced the “legal loophole” that leaves families vulnerable, calling for reform in the name of equality and child welfare.

Her appeal resonates with local associations like Mon’Arc En Ciel, whose spokesperson Cynthia described the daily impact: “Only the biological mother is recognized. At the nursery, one of us doesn’t exist.” Even family allowances are only paid to the biological mother, despite being calculated on both partners’ incomes.

Fresko-Rolfo is determined to push for solutions—particularly the legalization of adoption for same-sex couples. While the idea of same-sex marriage remains politically untouchable in the Principality, activists hope that continued advocacy through Monaco Pride and Mon’Arc En Ciel will gradually move the country toward greater equality for all families.

Côte d’Azur Sets Its Sights on Global Growth: 2026 Tourism Strategy Unveiled

 

After a strong 2025 season, Côte d’Azur France Tourisme has unveiled its ambitious roadmap for 2026, with a clear goal: to strengthen the region’s global appeal and attract even more international visitors, particularly from North America, Asia, and the Middle East.

During its annual presentation on October 3, the tourism board highlighted how the 2025 season continued the trend of an extended summer period. What was once a three-month rush has now stretched from May through September — and in many cases with us, villa rental activity has been starting as early as April and lasting until November. Average hotel occupancy along the coast reached an impressive 84%, peaking at 89% in August.

This success is credited to Côte d’Azur’s efforts to promote “four-season” tourism, with events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, the UNOC United Nations Summit, the Ironman World Championships, and major yachting events in Cannes and Monaco keeping visitors coming year-round. International guests made up more than half of all visitors in July and August, with strong representation from the United States, the UK, Scandinavia, Germany, and Italy.

Looking ahead, the 2026 strategy will focus heavily on strengthening ties with key overseas markets. Delegations are set to travel to the United States, Canada, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore to promote the Côte d’Azur brand at major trade shows and industry events. These efforts aim to secure consistent air connections and build long-term loyalty among high-value international travelers.

At the same time, Côte d’Azur France Tourisme is determined to maintain its strong domestic base, as French travelers still account for roughly half of total visitors. One of the flagship events next year will be the Rendez-vous en France trade show, held in Nice’s Baie des Anges in spring 2026 — a major international gathering for tour operators and travel media.

 

Through press campaigns, global conferences, and an active presence at key tourism fairs, the Côte d’Azur is positioning itself not just as a summer destination, but as a vibrant, year-round hub for leisure, culture, luxury experiences, and this most certainly includes those of us in the LGBTQ+ community.