Ukrainian Businessman Vadim Ermolaev and His Family Injured in Monaco Explosion. Allegedly an Assassination Attempt

Three people were seriously injured in an explosion that occurred on the evening of June 29 in Monaco. This is reported by Le Monde. AFP, BFMTV and Nice-Matin write that the victims were Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev, his wife and 13-year-old son. What happened? According to the government of Monaco, the explosion occurred the day before around 9:00 PM (10:00 PM Moscow time) near Place des Moulins on the border with France. According to Monaco's Prosecutor General Stéphane Tibo, an unknown person left a bag or package in the building's lobby and left. He noted that the explosive device contained bolts and shot. The principality's authorities have increased security measures. About 50 firefighters, including French units, were mobilized to assist the victims. 'As far as I know, this is the first time in history that such an incident has occurred in the Principality of Monaco,' the Prosecutor General emphasized. Who was injured? A total of three people were injured in the explosion: a married couple between the ages of 50 and 60, and a 13-year-old boy. The man and woman sustained critical injuries. All were hospitalized. Media reports indicate that the victims are Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev, his wife, and son. A source from the Ukrainian publication 'Novyny LIVE' claims that the family may have been targeted in an assassination attempt. The alleged bomber has not yet been apprehended. The police are conducting an investigation. Who is he? Vadim Ermolaev is a Ukrainian businessman and investor. Forbes Ukraine included him in its list of the 100 richest Ukrainians in 2021, estimating his fortune at $220 million. The Alef Group, owned by Ermolaev, was involved in the construction of commercial properties in Dnipro. In 2019, the entrepreneur renounced his Ukrainian citizenship and obtained Cypriot citizenship. In late December 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky imposed personal sanctions against him. The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) accused him of managing an alcohol business in Crimea after the annexation of the peninsula through front persons in accordance with Russian law.