Monaco investigators investigating the explosion that injured Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolayev and two other people under sanctions are considering the possibility of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) being involved.
This was reported by the French publication Le Figaro, citing informed sources. DW also reports the information.
According to the publication's interlocutors, the explosion was probably intended to be a "warning" for Yermolayev, rather than an attempt to assassinate him.
What the Monaco Prosecutor General's Office says
Monaco Prosecutor General Stephane Thibault did not confirm information about the possible customers of the explosion. He stated that the investigation has not yet identified the perpetrator, so it is premature to talk about the involvement of any state or special services.
According to him, the investigation is ongoing, and there are currently no official conclusions about the organizers or customers.
The suspect could have fled to Italy after the explosion
According to Le Figaro, after the explosion, the alleged perpetrator left Monaco and fled to the neighboring French city of Beausoleil. From there, according to the publication's sources, he could have left for Italy.
Currently, law enforcement officers are continuing the search for the suspect.
What is known about Vadym Yermolaev
Vadym Yermolaev is a businessman from Dnipro, the founder of the Alef trade and production corporation and one of the city's major developers. Previously, he was included in the rating of the 100 richest Ukrainians according to Forbes.
In 2019, Yermolayev renounced his Ukrainian citizenship and acquired Cypriot citizenship.
In December 2023, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed personal sanctions against him for a period of 10 years. According to the SSU, the reason was the operation of his alcohol business in the occupied Crimea, which, according to the Ukrainian authorities, paid taxes to the russian budget.
At the end of 2025, Ukrainian media reported on the detention in Cyprus of his son Artur Yermolayev at the request of Interpol. According to journalistic materials, this was related to the case of a network of call centers.
What is known about the explosion in Monaco
On the evening of June 29, a powerful explosion occurred near a residential building on Rue Reveren-Perret-Louis-Frolla in Monaco. According to preliminary investigation data, an unknown man left a backpack with an explosive device near the building, after which the explosion occurred. At least three people were injured in the incident, two of whom are in critical condition. According to BFMTV, all the victims are Ukrainian citizens. Among them are Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolayev, his companion and a 13-year-old teenager.
A woman who was injured in an explosion in a residential building in Monaco had her lower limbs amputated in a Nice hospital. Two other family members and two witnesses to the incident were also injured. The media called the woman Yermolayev's wife, but later announced that it was not her.
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