CCTV footage from Monaco shows a suspect fleeing on foot after a makeshift bomb explosion injured three people, prompting a police manhunt. The blast occurred at around 9pm on Monday, June 29, in Rue Reverend-Pere-Louis-Frolla, a major holiday hotspot.
Victims and Suspect Details
Two of the victims are in critical condition, according to Monaco public prosecutor general Thibault Stéphane. One victim has been identified locally as Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev, 58, one of Ukraine's wealthiest men who made his fortune in real estate before leaving the country with his family. In 2019, Ermolaev became a citizen of Cyprus, and in December 2023, Ukraine imposed sanctions on him, including asset restrictions. It is believed his wife and a teenager were also injured in what authorities describe as a 'targeted attack'. The two adults were taken to Pasteur Hospital in Nice, while the younger victim was treated at the scene.
Police Response and Investigation
The Monégasque government has stated the incident is 'a malicious act'. Monaco's Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, told AFP, 'This is likely a terrorist attack.' He added that the explosive device likely contained bolts and shot. 'The police are currently investigating. This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has occurred in the Principality,' Mirmand said. A huge police presence remains in the area as the suspect is believed to have fled towards the nearby French border.
Local Reactions
Mayor of neighbouring Nice, Eric Ciotti, commented on X: '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.' Local resident Marine Cotta told BFMTV she initially thought it was a firework display: 'I thought to myself, oh, it's just another firework, and shortly after I started receiving messages to see how I was doing. I could hear the police, the alarms, the firefighters and then I thought, okay, something's happening.'
