DistantNews
Support us
The "Monaco Battalion": How the French Riviera Became a Refuge for Some Ukrainian Oligarchs
๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡ด Romania /Crime & Justice

The "Monaco Battalion": How the French Riviera Became a Refuge for Some Ukrainian Oligarchs

From Adevฤƒrul · () Romanian

Translated from Romanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • An explosive attack targeted Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev in Monaco, injuring him, his partner, and son.
  • Authorities identified a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman, Anastasiia Berezovska, as the main suspect, who reportedly fled to France.
  • The incident has raised questions about the security in Monaco and the presence of controversial Ukrainian figures in the French Riviera following the war in Ukraine.

Monaco, long a sanctuary for the world's financial elite, has seen its image of impenetrable security shaken by a targeted bombing. The exclusive principality, known for its favorable tax laws, high security, and luxurious Riviera setting, became the scene of an attack on Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev.

The building where the Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev was targeted/PHOTO: Profimedia

โ€” ProfimediaThis caption refers to a photo accompanying the article, indicating the location of the attack.

The explosion occurred outside a luxury residential building on Rue Rรฉvรฉrend Pรจre Louis Frolla. Ermolaev, 58, was returning home with his partner, Anna Nasobina, and their 13-year-old son when a remotely detonated explosive device, planted at the building's entrance, detonated. Nasobina sustained severe injuries and was hospitalized in critical condition, while Ermolaev and their son also suffered injuries.

This perception was, however, shaken by an explosive attack that targeted Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev.

โ€” Daily MailThis quote from the British press highlights how the attack disrupted Monaco's image of safety.

Monaco authorities have named Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, a Ukrainian national, as the primary suspect. Surveillance footage reportedly shows her monitoring the area before planting a backpack containing the explosive device and detonating it remotely via a mobile phone. She was seen fleeing towards the French town of Beausoleil. Interpol has issued a Red Notice for her arrest on charges of attempted murder and other serious offenses, warning she is considered dangerous and may have accomplices.

The suspect figures officially with residence in Germany and there are indications that she has already left France, possibly heading towards Italy or the Balkan region.

โ€” Stรฉphane ThibaultThe Prosecutor General of the Principality provides an update on the suspect's potential movements after the attack.

Investigators believe the attack was meticulously planned, noting the building was largely unoccupied, allowing the perpetrator to plant the device undisturbed. Security sources suggest the suspect may have military or law enforcement experience due to apparent expertise in handling explosives. The incident has cast a spotlight on the growing number of controversial Ukrainian business figures reportedly seeking refuge in the South of France since the war began, earning the area the moniker "Batalionul Monaco."

The operation was prepared in detail and does not represent a spontaneous act.

โ€” Sources close to the investigationThese sources suggest the sophistication and planning involved in the bombing.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Adevฤƒrul in Romanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog