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Investigators Examine Possible Ukrainian Intelligence Role in Monaco Bombing
French and Monegasque police are investigating a parcel bomb attack that injured a Ukrainian businessman and his family in Monaco. Reports indicate the probe is examining whether Ukraine's SBU security service was involved.
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A parcel bomb exploded Monday at a luxury apartment building in Monaco, injuring Ukrainian businessman Vadym Iermolaiev, his partner, and their 13-year-old child. Iermolaiev and his partner remain in critical condition after losing parts of their legs in the blast.
The suspected attacker fled toward the French border. Police deployed dozens of officers, two helicopters, and about 30 gendarmes to search neighboring areas of France.
Background on the Target Iermolaiev, a real estate developer born in Dnipro, Ukraine, gave up his Ukrainian citizenship in 2018 and obtained a Cypriot passport. He has lived in Monaco since 2021 and also travels frequently to London and Paris. Ukraine imposed personal sanctions on Iermolaiev in December 2023 after an SBU investigation found he continued trading alcohol in Russian-occupied Crimea and paid taxes to Russian authorities.
His assets were frozen and business activities prohibited.
Figaro reported that investigators are examining whether Ukraine's SBU security service orchestrated the attack. The report cited multiple sources indicating the bombing may have been intended as a warning rather than a deliberate attempt to kill. Police described the device as producing a powerful explosion.
The attack marks the first such incident in the wealthy principality. Ukraine had previously labeled Iermolaiev an enemy of the state for his business dealings in Crimea. He had also been identified in Ukrainian media as part of a group of wealthy citizens living abroad while the country faced Russian attacks.
