Monaco bomb attack injures Ukrainian-born tycoon, suspect on the run

Monaco bomb attack injures Ukrainian-born tycoon, suspect on the run
Police officers work near the residential building, the site of an explosion that occurred on Monday, in Monaco, 30 June, 2026
Reuters

Police in Monaco and France were searching on Tuesday (30 June) for a suspected bomber after a parcel explosion wounded three people in the wealthy Mediterranean principality. Authorities are treating the incident as attempted murder.

Monaco prosecutor Stéphane Thibault said the suspect fled on foot into France after Monday evening's attack and remains at large.

Two sources familiar with the investigation said the main victim was Ukrainian-born businessman Vadym Yermolaiev.

A source said Yermolaiev's partner was critically wounded, suffering severe injuries from the waist down, while his son sustained less serious injuries.

Thibault declined to confirm the identities of the victims, saying they had not yet been interviewed by police. However, he said the man had lived in Monaco since at least 2021. All three remain in hospital. Prosecutors said the woman's condition was critical, while the man's condition was no longer considered critical.

Investigation spans Monaco and France

According to investigators, the suspect left a parcel outside a ground-floor apartment shortly before the victims arrived home. The device exploded as they approached.

With no border controls between Monaco and France, authorities on both sides are coordinating efforts to identify and arrest the suspect.

Police officers, and incendiary and explosion experts work at the site of an explosion, that occurred on Monday, in the residential building, in Monaco, 30 June, 2026
Reuters

"In coordination with the French authorities, we are pursuing efforts to identify and apprehend him," Thibault said.

Albert II, Prince of Monaco described the bombing as "an odious act" and said it had shocked the principality.

Yermolaiev was granted Cypriot nationality in 2019 and was placed under Ukrainian sanctions in 2023 over alleged business activity in Russian-occupied Crimea, according to Ukrainian media.

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