Stephane Thibault, Monaco's public prosecutor commissioner, announced on 2/7 that authorities have identified the suspect behind the parcel bomb attack that injured Ukrainian magnate Vadym Yermolaiev, a woman, and a 13-year-old boy on 29/6.
Monaco has issued an arrest warrant for the suspect, identified as a foreign national who has since left the principality. Surveillance cameras captured the individual placing a bag at the entrance of an apartment building on Reverend Pere Louis Frolla street in Monaco before quickly departing. The bag exploded shortly after Mr. Yermolaiev walked past. Monaco authorities have classified the incident as an assassination attempt, not a terrorist act.
Prosecutor Thibault did not release the suspect's identity but stated that Monaco has requested the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) issue a Red Notice for their arrest. Le Figaro and BFMTV, citing Monaco investigation sources, describe the suspect as a Ukrainian woman in her 30s, registered as a resident in Germany, who intentionally disguised herself as a man to conceal her identity. An internal police memo indicates the individual wore a black jacket and a black bucket hat, and was recorded by security cameras appearing around the scene multiple times before the attack.
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The suspect in the Monaco bombing on 29/6 flees the scene. Photo: X/Lookner |
On 29/6, the suspect reportedly followed Mr. Yermolaiev and his companions from an area near Place de Moulins square. The explosive device was then placed at the entrance of the building where the victims resided and activated by the suspect using a mobile phone or a remote-like device as the victims approached.
Following the explosion, the suspect fled towards the French town of Beausoleil. Investigators believe the individual continued to Italy and may be hiding in a European Union (EU) country. Monaco's investigation agency has opened an inquiry into charges including attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public place, and organized crime. Monaco authorities warn the suspect is "armed and dangerous" and do not rule out the possibility of accomplices.
Local media reported that Mr. Yermolaiev, 58, is now out of critical condition. However, the woman accompanying him, identified by the press as Anna Nasobina, remains in serious condition and required a double amputation of her legs. The 13-year-old boy sustained burns and injuries.
Mr. Yermolaiev was born in Dnipro city, Ukraine. He renounced his Ukrainian citizenship in 2017 and now holds Cypriot nationality. He founded the Alef group, which operates in real estate, agriculture, construction materials, mining, and logistics services, and has frequently appeared on the list of Ukraine's 100 wealthiest individuals.
In 2023, Kyiv imposed sanctions on him, alleging business ties with Moscow and tax payments in the Crimea peninsula, claims the businessman has repeatedly denied.
Prince Albert II of Monaco condemned the bombing as a "barbaric act". Monaco and French authorities are continuing to coordinate investigations into the attack's motive and to locate all individuals involved.
Thanh Danh (According to Independent, Times Now, UNN)
