A massive explosion in Monaco has left a Ukrainian billionaire oligarch and his wife in critical condition. Vadim Ermolaev, a prominent real estate tycoon and one of Ukraine’s wealthiest individuals, is currently fighting for his life. Ermolaev, ranked as the 23rd richest person in Ukraine by Forbes, had left the country following the Russian invasion.
Authorities are on the lookout for a suspect who was captured on CCTV discarding a backpack on Rue du Révérend Père Louis Frolla. Monaco’s Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, has labeled the incident as a “deliberate explosion.” The explosive device, identified as a “parcel bomb,” is believed to have contained bolts and shot, causing severe injuries to Ermolaev and his wife. A 13-year-old boy also sustained injuries but of a less severe nature.
The suspect fled on foot towards Beausoleil, a town bordering France, prompting a large deployment of 50 firefighters and 84 police officers. The targeted building’s unoccupied apartments were secured as a precautionary measure. Monaco’s leader, Prince Albert II, condemned the explosion as an “odious act” and assured close collaboration with French authorities.
Forensic teams worked through the night to gather evidence at the scene, with a press conference held by key officials. The public prosecutor is expected to release initial findings of the investigation soon. The suspect, identified via video surveillance, is the subject of an intense manhunt spanning Monaco and Beausoleil.
Medical assistance was provided to the injured victims, including Ermolaev, who is under sanctions in Ukraine. Reports indicate that the explosion victims are likely all members of the same Ukrainian family. The Monaco Government, along with French rescue teams, is actively involved in the ongoing investigation and search for the perpetrator.
