Monaco shaken by assassination attempt on wealthy Ukrainian oligarch and his wife

(©picture alliance / MAXPPP | OTTONELLO Jean-Francois)

On Monday evening around 9pm, an explosion occurred on Rue Révérend-Père-Louis-Frolla in Monaco, near the French border. Three people were injured, including a Ukrainian oligarch and his partner. Both are in critical condition.

Backpack explosion

According to Monegasque authorities, it was likely a malicious act. Minister of State Christophe Mirmand told AFP that it was “likely a terrorist attack” and said the explosive likely contained bolts and bullets. Police are investigating the incident, and emergency services have been deployed in large numbers to cordon off the area.

French and Monegasque media report that the suspect was seen on surveillance footage leaving a backpack or bag near an apartment building, after which he fled on foot toward Beausoleil. The perpetrator is still on the run, and a manhunt is underway on both sides of the border.

Ukrainian oligarch and partner in critical condition

The victims are believed to be members of a Ukrainian family. In addition to the couple, a 13-year-old teenager was also injured; according to authorities, the child’s life is not in danger. Four other people present were taken to the hospital because they were in shock.

Ranked 23rd on Forbes’ list of Ukraine’s richest

BFM TV and AFP have identified the seriously injured man as Vadim Ermolaev, a Ukrainian businessman who ranked 23rd on the Forbes list of the richest Ukrainians in 2020. He was born in Dnipro and built his fortune primarily through real estate and the Alef industrial group. The couple was transported to Pasteur Hospital in Nice, while the minor was taken to Lenval Hospital in Nice. Meanwhile, Prince Albert expressed his support for the victims, their families, and local residents.

©picture alliance / MAXPPP | OTTONELLO Jean-Francois