Monaco ‘parcel bomb’ attack explained as Ukrainian oligarch and family injured in ‘heinous act’

An explosion rocked the luxury tourist hotspot of Monaco after a “parcel bomb” went off in a residential area in what is believed to be a targeted attack on a Ukrainian-born oligarch

An attack in Monaco has left the nation in shock after one of the first bomb attacks in the county in years as officials believe it was not terrorist related.

The incident at around 9pm last night (June 29) saw three people injured after a “parcel bomb” was left in a residential area in near Place des Moulins with the suspect still at large.

Three people have been injured with reports that Ukrainian-born oligarch Vadim Ermolaev, who was sanctioned by Kyiv in 2023, as one of the injured victims. Two adults and a 13-year-old child have been confirmed to have been rushed to hospital following the horror blast.

Officials are continuing to investigate the incident to rule out fears of others being at risk of further threats.

Police are currently still hunting the suspect as a CCTV image was released of the individual with reports they have fled into France after leaving the scene on foot.

Monaco explosion not terror attack

Early reports last night had suspected the explosion of being a terror-related attack, but officials ruled this out in a press conference held overnight.

The bomb attack is now believed to be targeted, according to Monaco’s Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand. Speaking at the press conference, he said: “We can presume that the victims were targeted. The investigation will confirm this.”

Reports suggest that all three victims in the incident are all from the same family. Around 50 firefighters and 80 security personnel were deployed at the scene. Mirmand revealed that the backpack bomb was filled with bolts and metal buckshot, inflicting severe injuries on the victims.

Images from the area show debris and blood outside the residential property, which has now been sealed by police and bomb disposal experts to investigate.

Ukrainian-born oligarch one of the victims

One of the richest ‘oligarch’ figures to emerge from Ukraine’s industrial sector is reportedly one of the victims of the horror attack. Two others, an adult and a child, are reportedly members of his family.

Vadim Ermolaev, also spelled as Vadym Yermolaiev or Lermolaiev, has been identified by officials speaking to news agency AFP.

Ermolaev is publicly known as a Cypriot-based businessman of Ukrainian descent and property developer, most recognised for his role in developing projects in the city of Dnipro.

Based on publicly accessible records, Ermolaev secured Cypriot citizenship in 2019 and subsequently relinquished his Ukrainian nationality.

Ukrainian press outlets and watchdog groups have documented that he faces sanctions from Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, encompassing asset freezes and trade limitations implemented in 2023. It was signed by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and included around 200 individuals and companies.

Suspect at large in France

Police remain on the hunt for the suspect of the parcel bomb attack with fears he has fled into France following leaving the explosive device out side the property.

A CCTV image has been released of suspect, who is currently believed to be in Beausoleil.

Public prosecutor Stephane Thibault said that the suspect was caught on CCTV leaving a bag or package in the building’s lobby before leaving.

Officials described the blast as a “violent detonation linked to a parcel bomb”. No motive has been given by police but it is believed the attack was targeted.

Mirmand said witnesses had come forward with information that helped identify a man who may match the suspect’s description. He added: “We hope to identify the perpetrator and apprehend him quickly”.

Prince Albert II of Monaco reacts to ‘criminal explosion’

Prince Albert has spoken out about the shocking incident in the city as he called it a “heinous act”.

In his statement, released by the Palais Princier, Prince Albert II said the incident was “a shock to the entire Monégasque community.”

The statement read: “The criminal explosion that occurred this evening in Monaco is a shock for the entire Monegasque community.

“My thoughts go first to the victims, their loved ones and the residents directly affected by this heinous act. Princess Charlene, my family and I wish to express our deepest compassion and unwavering support to them.

“We also wish to salute the remarkable work of the Public Security forces, who are handling the situation with rigor and serenity, and who have enabled the rapid treatment of the victims and the securing of the area.

“Under the authority of the Government, all relevant State services are currently mobilized, in close cooperation with the French authorities. We trust them to clarify the circumstances of this tragedy as quickly as possible, to identify those responsible, and to provide all the necessary responses at every level.

“More than ever, the Principality of Monaco will remain united and determined in the face of violence and crime. The security of our community has always been a priority and will remain so more than ever, whatever the threats may be.”

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