Monaco Explosion: Suspected Bomb Attack Leaves Three Injured, Ukrainian Oligarch Vadim Ermolaev’s Family Reportedly Targeted

A powerful explosion shook the Principality of Monaco on Monday evening, injuring three Ukrainian nationals from the same family. Authorities believe the blast was caused by an explosive device deliberately planted inside a residential building and say it is highly likely to have been a targeted attack.

According to the initial investigation, the suspected attacker managed to flee the scene and is currently being sought by both Monegasque and French law enforcement agencies.

Three Injured in Monaco Apartment Building Explosion

The explosion occurred at around 9 p.m. in a residential building located between Boulevard d’Italie and Rue du Révérend Père Louis Frolla, just a short distance from the French border and the neighboring town of Beausoleil.

Three people were injured: a Ukrainian couple in their 50s or 60s, both of whom remain in critical condition, and their 13-year-old son, who suffered less serious injuries.

Emergency responders rushed the victims to hospital. Around 50 firefighters, including reinforcement teams from France, were deployed alongside dozens of public security officers who secured the surrounding area.

Authorities: “Highly Likely This Was a Terror Attack”

Investigators have ruled out the possibility of an accidental explosion.

Christophe Mirmand, Monaco’s Minister of State and head of government, described the incident as a “deliberate criminal act” and said it is “highly likely” that the explosion was a targeted attack.

According to investigators, the explosive device had been concealed inside a bag or package left in the entrance hall shortly before it detonated.

Bomb disposal experts are examining the remains of the device, which is believed to have contained bolts and metal fragments designed to maximize its destructive impact.

Surveillance Cameras Capture the Suspect

Security camera footage has become a key element of the investigation.

Investigators say surveillance cameras recorded a man placing a backpack containing the explosive device near the entrance of the building before calmly walking away toward the French town of Beausoleil.

Authorities have collected video footage from both Monaco and neighboring French surveillance systems. Witnesses have also provided descriptions that may help identify the suspect.

A joint operation involving Monegasque and French police is now underway to locate the alleged attacker, who remains on the run.

Vadim Ermolaev’s Family Believed to Be the Target

The identities of the victims have not been officially confirmed by Monaco’s Public Prosecutor.

However, according to the French newspaper Le Figaro, the injured family is believed to be that of Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev.

Ermolaev has lived in Monaco since the early stages of the war in Ukraine and is considered one of the country’s wealthiest businessmen.

His name has attracted international attention in recent years after he was placed under sanctions by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in December 2023.

According to Ukrainian authorities, the sanctions stemmed from allegations that Ermolaev continued commercial activities in Russian-occupied Crimea, particularly involving the distribution of alcoholic beverages.

Prince Albert II: “A Shock for the Principality”

Prince Albert II condemned the attack and expressed his solidarity with the victims and their families.

In an official statement, he described the bombing as “a heinous crime” and “a shock for the entire Monegasque community,” reaffirming that the Principality remains committed to combating violence and organized crime while strengthening public security.

Emergency Response Activated

Immediately after the explosion, Monaco activated its “Red Plan,” the emergency protocol designed for major incidents involving multiple casualties.

In addition to emergency personnel and investigators, senior government officials arrived at the scene as prosecutors continued gathering evidence to determine the motive behind the attack and establish whether Vadim Ermolaev’s family was the intended target.

Esplosione nel Principato di Monaco © ANSA/EPA