2 hours ago
3
The police have launched a hunt to locate the suspect of a 'targeted attack' in Monaco
03:12, Tue, Jun 30, 2026 Updated: 03:54, Tue, Jun 30, 2026
CCTV footage shows suspect flee by foot after horror attack in Monaco (Image: CCTV)
A horrific explosion in Monaco has triggered a police hunt after a man fled by foot following the detonation of a makeshift bomb that injured three people.
The blast took place in the major holiday hotspot, Rue Reverend-Pere-Louis-Frolla at around 9pm on Monday evening, June 29.
Get race details, team updates, results and opinion plus selected offers and competitions Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
CCTV footage shows a man dressed in a black bucket hat and jumper dumping a backpack in the foyer of an apartment block before vacating the scene hastily.
Two of the victims are in critical coniditon, according to Monaco public prosecutor general, Thibault Stéphane.
One of the victims has been confirmed locally as Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev.
The 58-year-old is ranked as one of Ukraine's wealthiest men, making his fortune as a real estate developer before he left the country with his family.
Police have launched a manhunt following the attack (Image: Getty)
In 2019 Ermolaev became a citizen of Cyprus, and in December 2023 Ukraine imposed sanctions on him, including asset restrictions, according to reports.
It is believed his wife was also injured in the "deliberate explosion" alongside a teenager.
The two adults were taken to the Pasteur Hospital in Nice to be treated with the younger victim treated at the scene.
The Monégasque government has claimed that the incident is "a malicious act".
Monaco's minister of state Christophe Mirmand initially told AFP the blast appeared to be "an attack", but later dropped that term, describing it as a "deliberate explosion" - the explosive device likely contained bolts and shot.
"The police are currently investigating. This is the first time in history, to my knowledge, that such an act has occurred in the Principality", Mirmand said.
Vadim Ermolaev, 58, has been named locally as one of the victims (Image: undefined)
There is a huge police presence in the area following the incident as a hunt is underway for the suspect.
The suspect crossed the border into France on foot and was identified via video surveillance in Monaco and the neighbouring French town of Beausoleil, Mr Mirmand said.
The mayor of neighbouring Nice Eric Ciotti commented the incident on X, saying in a translated message: "The attack carried out this evening is a tragedy that strikes Monaco. Thoughts for the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco. Total support for the security forces and emergency services mobilised."
Local residents described the attack as what they thought was a 'firework display'.
Marine Cotta told BFMTV: "I thought to myself, oh, it's just another firework, and shortly after I started receiving messages to see how I was doing."
She said she found out about the incident on social media.
Marine added: "I could hear the police, the alarms, the firefighters and then I thought, okay, something's happening."
English (US) · 