Three people were injured in an explosion in a residential building in Monaco on the night of 29 June, with a manhunt now underway for a suspect who fled to the French border. The blast occurred on Rue Reverend Pere Louis Frolla at approximately 9pm local time, allegedly originating from a backpack left in an apartment.
Victims and Suspect Details
Vadim Ermolaev, one of Ukraine's wealthiest men and a Cypriot-based businessman, was named among the seriously injured. According to French newspaper Le Figaro, two people suffered serious injuries, and all those injured were members of the same family. A man was captured on CCTV leaving a backpack at the apartment block before the explosion.
Manhunt and Escape
The suspect allegedly fled toward the French border after the blast. In a message on X, Monaco's official government page stated: "A suspect was spotted by the video surveillance system fleeing toward the municipality of Beausoleil on French territory." A manhunt has been launched to locate the individual.
Official Reactions
Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti commented on X, saying in a translated message: "The attack carried out this evening is a tragedy that strikes Monaco. Thoughts for the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco. Total support for the security forces and emergency services mobilised." Monaco's Minister of State Christophe Mirmand told AFP: "This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has occurred in the Principality."
Background on Vadim Ermolaev
Ermolaev is described as a real estate developer known for projects in Dnipro, Ukraine. He obtained Cypriot citizenship in 2019 and later renounced his Ukrainian citizenship. According to Ukrainian media, he has been subject to sanctions imposed by Ukraine's National Security and Defence Council since 2023, including asset freezes and commercial restrictions. Ermolaev has previously denied wrongdoing. The motive for the attack remains unknown.
