😲 CCTV Captures Man Dropping Deadly Backpack Before Monaco Blast… Ukrainian Billionaire Vadim Ermolaev & Family Seriously Hurt in Suspected Assassination Attempt! Dramatic Manhunt Underway
Huge Explosion Rocks Monaco as Booby-Trapped Backpack Detonates Outside Luxury Building – Ukrainian Oligarch Vadim Ermolaev and Family Injured in Suspected Targeted Attack as Manhunt Intensifies
A powerful explosion from a booby-trapped backpack has rocked the principality of Monaco, leaving a prominent Ukrainian oligarch and two family members fighting for their lives in what authorities are treating as a deliberate attack. The blast occurred on Monday evening outside a residential building near the French border, triggering a massive manhunt for a suspect captured on CCTV fleeing the scene. The incident has sent shockwaves through the wealthy enclave known for its safety and glamour, raising serious questions about security in one of the world’s most exclusive locations.
Vadim Ermolaev, 58, one of Ukraine’s richest men and a prominent property developer, was reportedly among those seriously injured along with his wife Anna and their 13-year-old son. Sources indicate the family was returning home after a meal when the device detonated in the building’s entrance. Ermolaev and his wife are in critical condition, while the teenager suffered less severe injuries. The attack has been described by officials as likely targeted, with the explosive device containing bolts and shrapnel for maximum impact.
CCTV footage released by authorities shows a man wearing a black hat, tracksuit top, white jeans, and trainers placing a backpack on the steps of the residential building before calmly walking away toward the French border town of Beausoleil. The suspect was last seen heading in that direction, prompting coordinated efforts between Monaco and French police to track him down. Helicopters have been deployed, and border checks have been intensified as the manhunt continues.
Monaco’s Secretary of State Christophe Mirmand confirmed the incident as a presumed attack, stating that the three victims were in the building’s entrance when the device exploded. The family had an apartment in the building and were returning home following a meal out. Local residents described the blast as sounding like thunder coming from behind the mountains, with one longtime Monaco resident telling media that “there’s nowhere safer in the world” — making the attack even more shocking.
Ermolaev, ranked as Ukraine’s 23rd richest man according to Forbes, built his fortune in property development in Dnipro. He left Ukraine with his family and became a citizen of Cyprus in 2019. The Ukrainian Security Service had previously placed him on a list of nationals suspected of fleeing the country, and Ukraine imposed sanctions on him in late 2023, freezing some assets. Like many Ukrainian oligarchs, he has faced accusations of criminality including money laundering, which he denies. The family has been living luxuriously in Monte Carlo, where they maintain a high profile.
The explosion has drawn swift condemnation from officials across the region. Prince Albert II cut short a trip to Germany to return to his palace, describing the attack as “a shock for the entire Monegasque community.” Monaco’s Minister of State and other leaders have expressed solidarity with the victims and support for security forces. French authorities are assisting in the investigation, with Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti calling it a “tragedy that has hit Monaco.”
Witnesses described horrifying scenes, with one resident telling media he saw Ermolaev’s wife with severe injuries and the young boy lying on the ground covered in blood. Blood was visible on the steps of the building, though images have been pixelated out of respect for the victims. The blast’s force was significant enough to cause casualties and damage in the immediate vicinity, with emergency services responding rapidly.
This incident marks a rare violent event in Monaco, a principality renowned for its safety and home to many wealthy individuals seeking privacy and security. The attack has raised concerns about potential motives linked to Ermolaev’s business dealings or geopolitical tensions involving Ukraine. Authorities are investigating all possibilities, but the targeted nature of the device suggests a deliberate act rather than a random incident.
The manhunt continues as police check vehicles on motorways and major roads along the Riviera. The suspect’s description has been widely circulated, and cooperation between Monaco and French law enforcement is ongoing. The red plan has been activated in Monaco, indicating a major security response.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on the victims’ recovery and bringing the perpetrator to justice. The attack on a prominent Ukrainian family in such a secure location has sent ripples of concern through expat communities and highlighted vulnerabilities even in the world’s most exclusive enclaves.
The Monaco blast serves as a stark reminder that no place is entirely immune to violence, particularly when high-profile individuals with complex backgrounds are involved. The coming days will be critical as authorities work to apprehend the suspect and provide answers to a shocked principality.