A significant explosion has shaken Monaco, resulting in a Ukrainian billionaire oligarch and his wife fighting for their lives. Vadim Yermolayev, aged 58, ranks as the 23rd wealthiest individual in Ukraine due to his real estate empire, as per Forbes. He reportedly left Ukraine post the Russian invasion.
Following the blast on Rue du Révérend Père Louis Frolla, a suspect was captured on CCTV discarding a backpack, prompting Monaco’s Minister of State Christophe Mirmand to label it a “deliberate explosion.” The explosive device allegedly contained bolts and shot, causing injuries to Yermolayev and a 13-year-old boy.
The suspect fled towards Beausoleil, a town near the French border, triggering a manhunt. French rescue teams are aiding local authorities, and a heightened police presence has been deployed. Yermolayev, associated with the Alef Group, a multifaceted conglomerate, is known for his real estate ventures in Dnipro.
Yermolayev, who recently renounced his Ukrainian citizenship, faced sanctions in Ukraine due to his business dealings in Russian-occupied Crimea. The aftermath of the explosion saw a flurry of emergency services and police activity, with the suspect still at large. The incident marks a rare occurrence in Monaco’s history, with investigations ongoing to track down the perpetrator.
