Explosive Attack in Monaco Injures Ukrainian Businessman and Family
Tragic Incident in Monaco
Anna Yermolaiev, the partner of Vadym Yermolaiev, a Ukrainian businessman under sanctions, suffered severe injuries, losing her legs due to an explosion outside their residence in Monaco. The incident occurred around 9 PM local time as the family was returning home, resulting in injuries to Vadym and their 13-year-old son as well. Reports indicate that a man was seen on security footage leaving a backpack filled with explosives at the building's entrance before fleeing towards France.
Following the explosion, Anna underwent amputation of one leg, while Vadym sustained burns and shrapnel injuries. Their son is currently reported to be stable. All three were transported to a hospital in Nice for treatment. Investigators revealed that the explosive device was loaded with bolts and buckshot, leading to significant injuries when it detonated as they entered the building.
Initially, Monaco's Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, suggested the possibility of a terrorist attack. However, this theory was later dismissed as the investigation progressed. The explosion has sent shockwaves through Monaco, a wealthy principality known for its low crime rates. Mirmand emphasized the need for collaboration with security services to identify the victims' connections and prevent future incidents, noting that this marks the first occurrence of such an attack in Monaco's history.
In response to the attack, Monaco has heightened security measures and is collaborating with French authorities to apprehend the suspect. Prince Albert II expressed his condolences to the victims and commended emergency responders, stating that all state resources are being utilized in conjunction with French officials to uncover the details of the incident and find those responsible. French authorities confirmed that the search for the suspect is ongoing, with police actively pursuing leads.
Vadym Yermolaiev, 58, is a Cypriot national who was once among Ukraine's wealthiest individuals, with business interests in various sectors including real estate and winemaking. He was previously recognized by Forbes Ukraine and Focus magazine for his business empire based in Dnipro. Following Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014, he faced allegations of continuing operations in the region, selling products in Russia while marketing them as Ukrainian abroad. Yermolaiev has denied these claims and threatened legal action against accusers.
In December 2023, Ukraine imposed a decade-long sanction on him due to his business dealings in Russian-occupied Crimea. His son was arrested in Cyprus in December 2023 while attempting to travel to Dubai, linked to an investigation involving a fraudulent call center in Kyiv and suspected money laundering. No convictions have been reported regarding these allegations. Investigators are currently exploring all potential motives for the attack, including the possibility of it being a targeted assassination attempt, amidst a backdrop of high-profile attacks on prominent Ukrainians in Europe.