Monaco, Monaco – Security authorities in Monaco and France are continuing their search for a suspect believed to have carried out a parcel bomb attack that injured three people, including a wealthy Ukrainian-born businessman.
The suspect then fled on foot towards French territory, according to Reuters.
A booby-trapped package was behind the attack
The Monaco prosecutor said the attack occurred Monday evening using a parcel bomb.
He added that the suspect fled on foot to France after the explosion,
taking advantage of the absence of border checkpoints between the two countries.
Security services in Monaco and their French counterparts are working to track down the suspect.
This is part of a joint investigation to uncover the circumstances and motives behind the attack.
A Ukrainian businessman is among those injured
Reuters quoted a source familiar with the investigation as saying that the target of
the attack was Ukrainian-born businessman and billionaire Vadym Yermolayev, who was injured in the blast.
The source added that Yermolayev’s girlfriend was also seriously injured.
Meanwhile, a security source confirmed that his son was among the injured, though his injuries were described as less serious.
Background about the businessman
According to reports, Vadim Yermolayev obtained Cypriot citizenship in 2019. He was also sanctioned by Ukraine in 2023.
Ukrainian media reports indicated that the sanctions stemmed from allegations of his involvement in business activities in Crimea,
which has been under Russian control since 2014.
The attack occurred in one of Europe’s most heavily guarded regions.
Monaco, a renowned destination for the wealthy and luxury yachts, is bordered by France and the Mediterranean Sea.
Furthermore, there is no direct border control between the principality and France.
