An arrest warrant has been issued in Monaco for a suspect in the explosion near Yermolayev’s home
The Monaco Public Prosecutor’s Office has already issued an arrest warrant for the suspect. She remains at large, and an international arrest warrant is due to be issued through Interpol in the near future.
French media outlets Le Figaro and BFMTV report that the suspect is a woman aged around 30. According to preliminary information, she may be of Ukrainian origin. Her name has not been officially disclosed.
According to media reports, the woman attempted to disguise herself as a man. CCTV cameras captured her leaving the scene of the explosion wearing a dark hat and fleeing to the French town of Bosoley, which borders Monaco.
How the explosion occurred
The explosion took place on 29 June near a residential building in Monaco where Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolayev was staying. It involved a homemade explosive device that had been left near the entrance to the building.
According to the investigation, the suspect may have been watching the family, waited until they had entered the building, and then remotely detonated the explosive using a device resembling a remote control.
Three people were injured in the explosion. Vadym Yermolayev sustained injuries but was conscious when taken to hospital. According to the latest reports, his condition has stabilised.
The woman who was with the businessman, according to media reports, suffered the most serious injuries. Her legs were partially amputated. It was also reported that a child was injured.
What theories are the investigators looking into?
The Monaco Public Prosecutor’s Office has launched a judicial investigation into attempted murder and a number of other criminal offences. The case has been referred to three investigating judges.
No official motive for the crime has yet been named. However, according to AFP, the investigation has already ruled out a terrorist motive.
One of the main theories remains that the motives are linked to Vadim Yermolaev’s business activities. This theory has not been officially confirmed as definitive.
What is known about Vadym Yermolayev
Vadym Yermolayev is a Ukrainian businessman from Dnipro, involved in property development and commercial projects. International media reports describe him as one of the prominent Ukrainian businessmen who were abroad when the full-scale war began.
According to Ukrainian sanctions lists, sanctions were imposed on Yermolayev in 2023. The grounds cited included, in particular, business ties linked to the trade in alcohol in the temporarily occupied Crimea.
Following the explosion, Monaco’s Prime Minister Christophe Mirmand described the incident as a terrorist attack. Subsequently, according to media reports, the investigation began to consider other possibilities, including a potential business motive.
Follow us on Telegram
