Suspect Identified in Monaco Parcel Bombing Investigation
A suspect has been identified in connection with a parcel bombing in Monaco that seriously injured a sanctioned Ukrainian multi-millionaire and two other individuals.
Monaco's prosecutor's office announced that an arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect, described as a foreign national who is no longer in Monaco. Additionally, an Interpol red notice is being issued to aid in the suspect's apprehension.
Details of the Incident
The explosion occurred on Monday evening when a package left at the entrance of an apartment building detonated shortly after being discovered.
No specific details about the suspect have been released. CCTV footage captured an individual wearing a dark bucket hat, and French media have reported the suspect to be a Ukrainian woman in her 30s.
Monaco's public prosecutor, Stéphane Thibault, has not commented on these French media reports but is expected to provide further information later on Friday.
Following the explosion near Monaco's border with France, a suspect was observed fleeing towards the French commune of Beausoleil. Authorities in Monaco have classified the incident as attempted murder rather than a terrorist attack.
Investigation and Cooperation Between Authorities
The prosecutor expressed gratitude towards police forces from both Monaco and France for their collaboration, which enabled the rapid identification of the individual suspected of carrying out the attack.
"An arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect, who will be the subject of an Interpol Red Notice from this evening,"
the Monaco prosecutor's office stated on Thursday night.
Victims and Their Conditions
Three victims were hospitalized, including a 13-year-old child. The two adults were initially reported to be in critical condition.
Monaco authorities have not confirmed the identities of the victims; however, local reports indicate the attack targeted Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner, and his son.
By Wednesday, the man was no longer in a life-threatening condition, though the woman's condition remained unstable, according to AFP. The 13-year-old sustained minor injuries.
Background on Vadym Yermolaiev
Vadym Yermolaiev, aged 58, is a wealthy real estate developer residing in Monaco. He holds Cypriot citizenship after renouncing his Ukrainian citizenship in 2019.
Yermolaiev has significant business interests in the wine and alcohol sector in Russian-annexed Crimea. Since 2023, he has been subject to sanctions imposed by the Ukrainian government in Kyiv.
In 2020, Forbes magazine ranked him as the 39th richest Ukrainian, estimating his fortune at $230 million (£173.8 million).
Official Reactions
Monaco's Prince Albert II described the attack as a "heinous crime."
