Manhunt in Monaco after parcel bomb injures Ukrainian businessman

A manhunt is underway in Monaco and southern France following a parcel bomb attack that injured three people, including a Ukrainian businessman. The device exploded around 9 p.m. Monday in a residential building near the border, seriously wounding the businessman and a woman, and causing lighter injuries to a teenager. Monaco's public prosecutor, Stephane Thibault, stated the incident is being investigated as attempted murder, though not as a terrorist act.

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The family's behaviour before entering their block of flats did not appear to show any signs of concern on their part. They were dressed for summer, relaxed and did not appear to be taking any particular precautions.

Sources have identified the businessman as Vadym Yermolaiev, a permanent resident of Monaco with Cypriot nationality. Yermolaiev has been subject to sanctions from Kyiv since December 2023, reportedly due to his alcohol business activities in Russian-occupied Crimea. Monaco's Minister of State Christophe Mirmand said he was unaware of any specific threats against Yermolaiev, noting the victims appeared relaxed and showed no signs of concern before entering their building.

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I quickly went out onto my terrace to see what was happening. There was screaming, crying and two people on the ground.

The explosive device reportedly contained bolts and buckshot. Emergency services treated four other individuals for shock and cuts from shattered windows. Prince Albert II of Monaco condemned the incident as a "heinous crime" and a "shock to the entire Monegasque community." The wounded were transported to a hospital in Nice, France. Video surveillance captured a suspect fleeing towards the French municipality of Beausoleil, prompting a joint search effort by Monegasque and French authorities.

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This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has taken place in the principality.