Who targeted the Ukrainian-born business leader? Monaco parcel bomb sparks major investigation

A manhunt has been underway as police officials search for a suspected bomber after a Ukrainian-born business tycoon, his wife and their child were injured in an unparalleled assault that has sparked major investigation.

According to French authorities, the media identified the victims as Vadym Iermolaiev, his wife and their 13-year-old.

Given the security of the situation, Iermolaiev and his wife were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. Prince Albert II condemned the attack and said all the safety and security authorities had been mobilized.

In this connection, Christophe Mirmand Monaco’s minister of state described the bombing as unprecedented and ordered heightened alertness to ensure the investigation progressed as quickly as possible.

Monaco stated in a press conference, “To my knowledge this is the first time in history that such an act has taken place in the principality.

The improvised explosive device was seemingly full with screws and buckshot. Meanwhile, emergency services treated four other people in shock as the blast shattered nearby windows.

Originally from the southeastern Ukrainian city of Dnipro Iermolaiev founded the Alef trade and industrial enterprise, becoming one of the region’s most prominent real estate tycoons and businessmen.

The Monaco government has clarified that a suspect was on the video monitoring system fleeing towards the French commune of Beausoleil on foot after the explosion where a major police effort to find the individual is now taking place. The 58-year-old wealthy real estate developer is now living in Monaco.

As reported by the Guardian, he maintained business interests in the wine and alcohol industries since 2023, and has been the target of sanctions imposed by the Kyiv government.