In brief
A parcel bomb detonated next to the French border in a Monaco apartment block, severely injuring Ukrainian real‑estate tycoon Vadym Yermolaiev, his wife and 13‑year‑old son. French and Monaco police are searching for the suspect, who allegedly fled toward Beausoleil on foot. Yermolaiev, a former Ukrainian national who now holds Cypriot citizenship, is a high‑profile figure with business interests in Crimea and has been under sanctions by Kyiv. Monaco’s government, the prince, and French authorities are cooperating on the investigation, marking the first bomb attack in the principality’s history.
Bombing in Monaco Sparks France Manhunt
\A parcel bomb exploded at an apartment building on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla, just seconds before 21:00 local time on 28 June, injuring Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, his wife and their 13‑year‑old son. French authorities say the attacker fled toward Beausoleil in southern France, prompting a major police operation.
\ \The blast was described as a “parcel bomb” by Monaco’s Secretary of State, Christophe Mirmand, who told French media that the device “contained bolts and pellets.” The suspect was seen on surveillance footage dropping a backpack in the lobby before detonating it.
\Affected Individual
\Yermolaiev, 58, is a former Dnipro property developer who has lived in Monaco for years. He renounced Ukrainian citizenship in 2019, becoming a Cypriot citizen; his business interests in Crimea led to sanctions from Kyiv in 2023. Forbes named him the 39th richest Ukrainian in 2020 with a net worth of $230\,m.
\Reactions
\Monaco’s Prince Albert II called the incident a “heinous crime” and vowed that state services would be mobilised in cooperation with French authorities.
\Over 100 police officers, emergency crews, and even a helicopter were dispatched within minutes of the explosion, the 11th‑floor resident of a nearby apartment confirming the massive blast and the urgent arrival of emergency services.
\Investigators remain focused on locating the suspect, with surveillance footage showing the bomber heading toward French territory. The incident is being treated as the first bomb attack in Monaco’s history.
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