Investigators suspect Ukraine's security service behind Monaco bombing

“According to several sources that spoke to Le Figaro, investigators are focusing on a lead that points to an operation orchestrated by the SBU, Ukraine’s security service,” the outlet wrote.

Investigators view the attack as a “warning” rather than an assassination attempt.

Monaco General Prosecutor Stéphane Thibault stated that law enforcement, jointly with their French counterparts, continues to search for the suspect responsible for the explosion. He added that an arrest may “happen quite quickly” given the resources deployed.

Investigators are pursuing several possible escape routes, with the primary theory suggesting the fugitive fled toward Italy. Law enforcement officials declined to comment on whether the suspect acted on orders or received assistance during his escape, noting his identity has not been definitively established.

Explosion in Monaco on June 29

A large explosion occurred near a residential building on the evening of June 29 between Boulevard d’Italie and Rue du Reverend Père Louis Frolla in Monaco near the border with France. According to French media, all three injured people were members of the same Ukrainian family. The parents, both in their 50s or 60s, suffered life-threatening injuries. A 13-year-old also was hurt and was reported to be in moderate condition.

BFMTV reported that the injured included Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev and his partner.

Two sources in business circles cited by news outlet Ukrainska Pravda confirmed that one of the people injured in the explosion was Dnipro businessman Vadym Yermolaiev.

In 2021, Forbes estimated his fortune at $220 million.

In 2019, he gave up Ukrainian citizenship after obtaining Cypriot citizenship. 

In 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted a National Security and Defense Council decision imposing personal sanctions on Yermolaiev.