A manhunt is ongoing in Monaco after a parcel bomb exploded around 9pm local time on Monday, injuring a Ukrainian businessman and two others. The blast seriously wounded a man and a woman, with the woman’s condition described as life-threatening, while a teenager sustained lighter injuries, according to Monegasque authorities.

Dozens of officers were deployed in Monaco, and two helicopters along with about 30 gendarmes searched neighboring France for a suspect who left a package in the lobby of a residential building near the border before fleeing. Video surveillance captured the suspect fleeing toward Beausoleil in France.

Monaco public prosecutor Stephane Thibault said the incident is being investigated as attempted murder but is not considered a terrorist act. He declined to confirm the presumed target, but multiple sources identified the injured businessman as Vadym Yermolaiev, a Ukrainian-born multi-millionaire and permanent resident of Monaco who also holds Cypriot nationality.

Yermolaiev has been subject to sanctions from Kyiv since December 2023, reportedly linked to his alcohol business activities in Russian-occupied Crimea. Monaco's Minister of State Christophe Mirmand stated he was unaware of any specific threats against Yermolaiev. He also noted that the family appeared relaxed and showed no signs of concern before entering their apartment block.

The attack has been described as a shock to the entire Monegasque community.

Sources