Monaco Parcel Bomb Wounds Sanctioned Ukrainian Multi-Millionaire

A parcel bomb explosion in Monaco wounded sanctioned Ukrainian multi-millionaire Vadym Yermolaiev on Monday, shattering the security of the European principality.

The blast struck a residential building along the French border at approximately 9:00 pm local time on Monday.

A couple in their 50s or 60s sustained life-threatening injuries in the attack.

A 13-year-old, believed to be related to the couple, suffered less serious injuries.

Sanctioned Ukrainian National

A source close to the investigation identified one of the wounded as Yermolaiev, a Monaco resident.

Kyiv placed sanctions on the Ukrainian tycoon in December 2023.

Ukrainian security services previously linked these sanctions to his alcohol business operations in Russian-occupied Crimea.

Monaco’s Minister of State Christophe Mirmand stated that intelligence services are currently investigating the victims' backgrounds.

Authorities are working to determine if other individuals face similar specific threats.

Suspect Flees to France

Video surveillance captured a suspect fleeing toward the neighboring French municipality of Beausoleil.

Public prosecutor Stephane Thibault confirmed the suspect left a bag or package in the building's lobby prior to the explosion.

Witnesses have provided information to help identify the attacker.

An aide to France's Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed a cross-border manhunt is underway to locate the perpetrator.

Unprecedented Security Breach

The explosive device was packed with bolts and buckshot.

Four additional bystanders required treatment for shock and cuts caused by shattered glass.

Authorities deployed approximately 50 firefighters and 80 security personnel to the cordoned-off scene.

Mirmand noted this is the first recorded incident of its kind in the history of the principality.

Monaco's Prince Albert II condemned the bombing as a heinous crime and a shock to the local community.