Ukrainian oligarch and his family were killed in a bombing in Monaco: Yermolayev and his wife are in critical condition — media reports
30 June 01:51
A terrorist attack occurred in Monaco, leaving at least three Ukrainians injured. Le Figaro reported this, citing a police source, according to "Komersant Ukrainian"
Ukrainian media, citing their own sources, reported that the victims may include Vadym Yermolayev, a businessman from Dnipro who is subject to sanctions, and his wife. However, in their initial official statements, the Monaco prosecutor’s office and government did not name the victims.
Where and when the explosion occurred
The incident occurred on Rue Reveran-Per-Louis-Froll, near Monaco’s border with the French town of Bosoley.
The explosive device detonated near the entrance to a residential building just as people were entering it.
The following were on the scene:
- Monaco police;
- firefighters and medical personnel;
- bomb disposal experts;
- forensic investigators;
- prosecutors’ investigators.
The area around the house was cordoned off to conduct a search for possible evidence.
Three members of the same family were injured
According to French media reports, three members of the same family were injured in the explosion.
They are:
- a man aged approximately 50–60;
- a woman of approximately the same age;
- a 13-year-old teenager.
The adult victims were taken to Pasteur Hospital in Nice. Their condition is considered critical, and their injuries may be life-threatening.
The teenager was admitted to Lenval Children’s Hospital. Doctors describe his condition as moderate.
Was Vadim Yermolayev Among the Victims?
The publication Novosti.LIVE, citing its own sources, reported that businessman Vadym Yermolayev may have been the intended target.
According to Ukrainian media, he and his wife are in critical condition.
At the same time, the Monaco authorities did not initially name the victims in their official statements.
Cameras captured a man with a backpack
According to local and French journalists, surveillance cameras captured an unidentified man near the house.
He allegedly left a backpack in front of the entrance door and then walked toward the French town of Beaulieu.
Shortly thereafter, an explosion occurred.
Investigators are working to determine:
- the man’s identity;
- his route;
- how the explosive device was made;
- possible accomplices;
- the motive for the crime;
- whether the victims were the direct targets of the attack.
Monaco prosecutor Thibault Stéphane confirmed that two of the victims are in critical condition.
According to preliminary findings from the investigation, the explosive device may have contained bolts and small metal parts.
These may have been used to increase the explosive’s destructive power.
Experts are expected to reach final conclusions regarding the device’s construction after completing their analysis of the debris.
Monaco is investigating the possibility of a targeted attack
Law enforcement officials are investigating whether the explosion was a targeted attack on a specific family.
The following factors may indicate a possible targeted attack:
- the device’s placement directly near the entrance;
- the appearance of a suspicious person carrying a backpack;
- the timing of the detonation as people were entering the building;
- the possible use of metal projectiles.
However, the motive for the crime has not yet been officially established.
What is known about Vadym Yermolayev
Vadym Yermolayev is a businessman from Dnipro and the founder of the Alef trading and manufacturing corporation.
He is associated with businesses in the following sectors:
- construction and real estate;
- manufacturing;
- agriculture;
- alcoholic beverages;
- trade;
- mining.
Yermolayev was previously ranked among Ukraine’s wealthiest businessmen.
According to official Ukrainian documents, he is a citizen of the Republic of Cyprus.
Ukraine has imposed sanctions against him
In December 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted a decision by the National Security and Defense Council to impose personal sanctions on Vadym Yermolayev.
The corresponding decree No. 850/2023 was published on the website of the President of Ukraine.
In June 2024, the list of restrictions was clarified. The sanctions include, in particular:
- asset freezes;
- restrictions on trade transactions;
- termination of economic and financial obligations;
- a ban on participation in privatization;
- restrictions on securities transactions;
- prohibition on technology transfers;
- prohibition on the acquisition of land parcels.
The restrictive measures are in effect for ten years.
Why Yermolayev Was Subjected to Sanctions
Proposals to impose sanctions were submitted by the Security Service of Ukraine.
Ukrainian law enforcement agencies and the media linked the sanctions to the businessman’s companies’ activities in occupied Crimea.
Specifically, the allegations concerned the possible re-registration of his alcohol business under Russian law and the payment of taxes to the Russian Federation’s budget.
At the same time, representatives of companies associated with the businessman denied cooperating with the occupying authorities and stated that they would contest the allegations.
The businessman’s name was mentioned in news reports about wealthy Ukrainians who were on the French Riviera after the start of the full-scale war.
In 2022, Yermolayev was featured in reports about the so-called “Monaco Battalion.”
At that time, the State Bureau of Investigations was examining the circumstances surrounding the departure abroad of dozens of Ukrainian businessmen, politicians, and their family members.
At the same time, a person’s presence in Monaco does not in itself indicate a violation of the law.
