A significant explosion has shaken Monaco, resulting in a Ukrainian billionaire oligarch and his wife fighting for their lives. Vadim Ermolaev, aged 58, known as a real estate tycoon and the 23rd wealthiest individual in Ukraine as per Forbes, reportedly fled Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.
Authorities are pursuing a suspect who was captured on CCTV discarding a backpack on Rue du Révérend Père Louis Frolla. Monaco’s minister of state, Christophe Mirmand, labeled the incident as a “deliberate explosion”. The explosive device, identified as a “parcel bomb,” likely contained bolts and shot, causing injuries to the oligarch and his partner, as well as a 13-year-old boy, though less severe.
The suspect fled towards the town of Beausoleil, near the French border. Forensic officers have been gathering evidence at the scene, and a press conference was conducted by Minister of State Christophe Mirmand, Interior Minister Lionel Beffre, and President of the National Council Thomas Brezzo. The public prosecutor is anticipated to disclose initial findings and the legal classification of the incident soon.
A robust police presence has been deployed in Monaco, with ongoing efforts to locate the suspect. French rescue teams are assisting in the search, with reports indicating that the suspect crossed into France on foot. Ermolaev, under sanctions in Ukraine since 2023, has been associated with business activities in Russian-occupied Crimea. The investigation is ongoing, marking the first such incident in Monaco’s history.
Emergency services swiftly responded to the explosion, with reinforcement from the Nice Anti-Crime Squad and other units. The explosive device, described as containing bolts and shot, was intended to inflict maximum harm. The victims, including a couple in critical condition and a 13-year-old boy, are reportedly linked to the same Ukrainian family. The search for the suspect continues, with heightened security measures in place.