Monaco authorities identify suspect in parcel bombing of Ukrainian millionaire, warrant issued

Monaco authorities have identified a suspect in the investigation of a parcel bombing that occurred on Monday, seriously injuring a sanctioned Ukraine-born millionaire, Vadym Yermolaiev, along with two others. The Monaco prosecutor's office announced on Thursday that an international arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect, who will be the subject of an Interpol Red Notice.

Details of the Parcel Bombing Incident

The bombing took place in the entrance hall of a small apartment building near the French border. Just as three residents—a couple and their 13-year-old son—entered the building, an explosive device detonated, resulting in injuries to all three. The victims have not been officially named by the authorities, but sources indicate that Yermolaiev, a 58-year-old businessman with ties to Ukraine and Cyprus, was the primary target.

Yermolaiev has been under sanctions in Ukraine since December 2023 due to his business activities in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014. The attack has raised concerns about security in Monaco, a region known for its safety and affluence.

Suspect's Identification and Arrest Warrant

According to reports from France's Le Figaro and BFMTV, the suspect was captured on CCTV footage wearing a black fisherman's hat and is believed to be a woman attempting to disguise her identity as a man. The public prosecutor, Stéphane Thibault, commended Monaco's police forces for their swift action in identifying the suspect.

“Effective international criminal cooperation, both police and judicial, made it possible to identify, in a particularly short time, the person suspected of having carried out the attack,” Thibault stated. The investigation has been entrusted to three investigating judges, focusing on charges of attempted murder.

Victims and Aftermath of the Attack

The victims were taken to medical facilities in Nice for treatment. The 13-year-old son was admitted in non-critical condition to Lenval children's hospital, while both adults were transported to Nice University Hospital (CHU) with life-threatening injuries. As of Wednesday, the man was no longer in a life-or-death situation, but the woman's health had not yet stabilized.

The incident has shocked the residents of Monaco, a microstate that prides itself on being a safe haven for the wealthy. Yermolaiev's history in Ukraine, particularly concerning his business dealings in Crimea, has drawn significant attention, raising questions about the motives behind the attack.