Bustling harbors and an air of glamour, Monaco’s picture-perfect views do not exactly scream true crime. And yet, Netflix’s Murder in Monaco pulls you into an unsettling story of billionaire Edmond Safra. Before his untimely death, Safra was one of the wealthiest men in the world.

He was one of the most influential private bankers. However, his sudden, tragic death, which is the focus of Netflix's latest documentary, led many to wonder whether this chilling story is fiction or something far darker. 

What happened to Edmond Safra and is the Netflix’s Murder in Monaco based on a real story?

Netflix’s latest documentary, Murder in Monaco, follows the mysterious passing of Edmond Safra. On December 3, 1999, the 67-year-old was in his penthouse apartment in Monaco’s Belle Époque building. However, he was not alone.

As he struggled with Parkinson’s disease, Safra was usually accompanied by his private nursing staff for care. But on that fateful night, both he and his nurse, Vivian Torrente, died from smoke inhalation caused by a fire.

The two had reportedly locked themselves in a bathroom, believing they were under attack by armed intruders. At first, the incident was thought to be an accident. However, there was more to the story.

During the investigation, another name resurfaced, Ted Maher. He was a carer who had been employed by Safra a few months earlier. Maher reportedly started the fire in a trash bin and was also the one who informed Safra and Torrente about the alleged intruders. What continues to intrigue many is why he started the fire.

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So, why did Ted Maher start the fire? What were his intentions all along?

Edmond Safra’s passing initially appeared to be an accident until former US Army serviceman and caregiver Ted Maher came into question. Maher reportedly planned the scheme of setting the fire and then attempting to save the billionaire. All of this was alleged in an effort to gain recognition from his boss.

Maher allegedly even inflicted wounds on himself. However, his plan failed when the smoke spread rapidly, and he could not save Edmond Safra and Vivian Torrente, who ultimately succumbed to the fire.

Years later, Maher shared a different version of events, claiming that he was innocent. While what happened remains highly debated, the Netflix documentary promises to shed new light on the case.

The nearly 90-minute film shows interviews and much more that went down in that fateful incident in 1999, which is exactly why Murder in Monaco is a must-add to your watchlist. With the documentary streaming since December 17, 2025, on the OTT giant, catch up with it to know the mystery behind this murder.

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Will you watch Murder in Monaco? Let us know in the comments section below.