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Ukrainian Oligarch Injured in Monaco Bomb Attack; Sanctioned Tycoon Targeted

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Under investigation
  • An explosion injured a Ukrainian oligarch and his family in Monaco, where he is under Ukrainian sanctions for alleged business dealings in Russian-occupied Crimea.
  • The blast occurred at the entrance of a residential building, and authorities are investigating the motive, suspecting an assassination attempt.
  • Monaco and French police are jointly searching for the suspect, who fled on foot into France after the attack.

A powerful explosion rocked the wealthy principality of Monaco, injuring a Ukrainian oligarch and members of his family. Vadym Iermolaiev, a 52-year-old Ukrainian construction magnate, was seriously wounded in the blast that occurred at the entrance of his residential building on the evening of June 29.

The perpetrator placed a bomb in the apartment lobby and fled on foot.

— InvestigatorsDetails about the method used in the attack.

Iermolaiev, who was sanctioned by Ukraine in 2023 for allegedly operating a liquor business in Russian-occupied Crimea and paying taxes to Russia, was targeted in what authorities are investigating as a deliberate attack. His partner and 13-year-old daughter were also injured, though their injuries were less severe.

The case may be an assassination attempt targeting Iermolaiev.

— Ukrainian media sourceSpeculation on the motive behind the explosion.

Investigators believe the perpetrator placed a backpack bomb, packed with shrapnel, in the apartment lobby before fleeing on foot towards France. Monaco and French police have launched a joint manhunt for the suspect. Ukrainian media has suggested the incident could be an assassination attempt, but officials have not confirmed any political motives or links to Ukrainian intelligence agencies.

The authorities have activated the highest-level 'Plan rouge' emergency response mechanism.

— Christophe MirmandMonaco's response to the incident.

The attack has sent shockwaves through Monaco, a principality known for its exceptional safety. Monaco's Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, activated the highest-level emergency response, and Prince Albert II condemned the "heinous crime." Iermolaiev, once listed among Ukraine's wealthiest individuals, had his assets estimated at $220 million before the war. He had previously renounced his Ukrainian citizenship and obtained a Cypriot passport.

We condemn this heinous crime.

— Prince Albert IIThe Prince of Monaco's statement on the explosion.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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