The woman severely injured in a nail bomb attack on Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev in Monaco is reportedly his mistress, Anna Nasobina, a 46-year-old UK-based lawyer who required amputation of both feet. The blast occurred on June 30, 2026, at the Sun Palace apartment block in Monaco's Place des Moulins, leaving Ermolaev fighting for his life and his 13-year-old son also injured.
Wife Denies Involvement
Initial reports suggested that Ermolaev's wife, Anna Ermolaeva, 56, was among the three victims. However, she has since denied being at the scene, stating she is "currently in a state of severe stress and actively cooperating with the investigation and law enforcement agencies," according to Ukrainian state media outlet Suspline. This led to speculation that the female victim was instead Nasobina, Ermolaev's lover.
Victim's Background
Anna Nasobina, from Dnipro, Ukraine, is the daughter of a former Ukrainian state prosecutor. She followed her father into law and later moved to London, where she has been director of Wycombe Square Investments since 2023. She is also a co-founder of Club Éclectique, an exclusive Russian members' club in London that hosts events for the Russian diaspora. Nasobina reportedly underwent amputation of both feet due to injuries from the explosion.
Details of the Attack
The attack occurred around 9 p.m. local time when a "parcel bomb" made of nuts and bolts, hidden in a rucksack, was detonated near the entrance to the apartment. CCTV images captured a man suspected of planting the device, who remains at large and is described by police as "armed and dangerous." Monaco's Secretary of State, Christophe Mirmand, said: "It was noted that the man had driven around the area several times before the bomb blast, allowing him to lie in wait for the victims. This clearly indicates that he was likely conducting surveillance."
Ermolaev's Enemies
Vadim Ermolaev, 58, made his fortune in commerce after the collapse of the Soviet Union and has reportedly made many enemies since leaving Ukraine about a decade ago. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed sanctions on him in December 2023 after his drinks business in occupied Crimea continued operating with the enemy. Ermolaev is also a co-owner of Versobank, an Estonian bank whose license was suspended by the European Central Bank in March 2018 for systematic violation of anti-money laundering legislation.
Ongoing Investigation
French elite police unit RAID (Research, Assistance, Intervention, Deterrence) is involved in the investigation, according to an Interior Ministry source in Paris. The unit typically handles high-profile counter-terrorism cases and VIP protection. The 13-year-old son is reported to be in stable condition.
