Monaco explosion: Suspect apparently targeted a family, authorities say

An explosion in Monaco injured three people, one critically, as authorities investigate the incident as an attempted murder. The suspect, who acted alone, remains at large and is believed to have fled into neighboring France. The public prosecutor's office has opened an investigation, and the case is not being treated as a terrorist attack.

One of the injured is a woman in life-threatening condition. A man who was also injured is no longer in critical condition, and a 13-year-old child sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Reports suggest the target may have been Ukrainian tycoon Vadim Jermolayev, who renounced his Ukrainian citizenship in 2017. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously imposed sanctions on him in late 2023 as part of measures against individuals and entities allegedly linked to Russia.

“

It seems the family was the direct target.

Surveillance footage indicates the family was returning home in the early evening and was caught by the explosion as they entered their residential building. Minister Christophe Mirmand confirmed they are permanent residents of Monaco. "It seems the family was the direct target," he stated, adding that the alleged perpetrator had repeatedly scouted the area, waiting for the victims. "In the minutes before the explosion, he was clearly waiting for them."

Monaco, known for its tax advantages and reputation as one of the world's safest locations, is equipped with an extensive surveillance network. The incident has shocked many, with Prince Albert II calling it a "heinous act" and assuring that all state services are mobilized for security. French authorities are also searching for the unidentified suspect.

“

In the minutes before the explosion, he was clearly waiting for them.