Monaco blast suspect still at large as terrorism link is ruled out
Prosecutors said an attempted murder inquiry is under way after three people were wounded by an explosion at a residential building.
By Daniel Okafor · Business Editor
2 min read
Monaco investigators are searching for a man accused of leaving a package that exploded at the entrance to a residential building, injuring three people. Prosecutor Stephane Thibault said Tuesday that authorities are treating the case as attempted murder and have not found evidence to classify it as terrorism.
The explosion happened Monday evening after a man apparently placed a package near the building entrance, according to authorities cited by AP and Reuters. Thibault told reporters the suspect fled on foot, appeared to have acted alone and remained at large.
Security footage showed a man walking along a street in a black jacket, light-colored trousers, white shoes and a black hat that partly covered his face, Thibault said. He said investigators had not established a motive.
Three people injured
Thibault said one of the wounded, a woman, was in life-threatening condition. Her partner and a 13-year-old child were less seriously hurt, though both remained hospitalized, he said.
Christophe Mirmand, Monaco’s minister of state, told French broadcaster LCI that surveillance video indicated the victims were returning home in the early evening when the blast occurred. He said they were struck as they entered their apartment building.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry said it was in contact with officials in Monaco. The ministry said the three wounded people were of Ukrainian descent and were members of one family, adding that Ukrainian authorities were checking their citizenship. It did not name them.
Media reports identified Ukrainian construction businessman Vadym Yermolaiev as one of those injured. Ukrainian news outlet Ukrainska Pravda reported that Yermolaiev was placed under Ukrainian sanctions in 2023 over alleged ties to Russia.
Yermolaiev is a multimillionaire resident of Monaco, according to AP and Reuters. Al Jazeera reported that Ukrainian security services had linked the sanctions imposed in December 2023 to his alcohol business activity in Russian-occupied Crimea.
Security focus in Monaco
The attack drew attention in a country known for tight public security. Monaco has about 38,000 residents and is home to many very wealthy people, according to AP and Reuters.
The principality is widely regarded as one of the world’s safest places, with thousands of surveillance cameras covering much of its public space, according to AP and Reuters. Authorities have not announced an arrest, and Thibault said the inquiry is continuing.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.