Monaco: Three injured after explosion - investigators probe targeted attack

Monaco – 30.06.2026: An explosion in an apartment building near the border with the French commune Roquebrune-Cap-Martin injured three people on Monday evening. The principality’s public prosecutor opened proceedings for attempted murder and is assuming a targeted attack. The search for the perpetrator or perpetrators is ongoing, and the area around the scene remained cordoned off overnight.

According to police, at around 9 p.m. local time a suspected booby-trapped package detonated in the building’s entrance area. The force of the blast damaged the lobby and several windows. Two of the injured were taken to a clinic with severe injuries initially described as critical; another person suffered lighter wounds. Forensic specialists are examining debris and electronic components to reconstruct the construction and triggering mechanism of the explosive device.

Authorities initially did not release names or details about the victims. Several international media outlets, however, report consistently that businessman Vadim Ermolaev was among the injured. The Ukraine-born entrepreneur has been sanctioned by Kyiv over his activities on the annexed Crimea. The Monegasque judiciary had not confirmed these reports by evening. Investigators are, according to sources within the security services, examining whether the act was aimed at one of the building’s residents or if it was a misdirected delivery.

The explosion occurred in a densely populated neighborhood near major traffic routes on the Cote d’Azur. Firefighters and civil protection units were on site with numerous personnel; residents were temporarily moved to adjacent buildings and hotels. Authorities asked witnesses to report any suspicious observations near the building entrance or of delivery vehicles late in the evening. Video material from private surveillance cameras is being reviewed.

Despite a high security presence, Monaco is considered a potential target for offenses with economic or private motives, not least because of the concentration of wealthy residents. Parcel bombs and remotely triggered explosive devices are rare in Western Europe but especially difficult to solve. In similar cases, investigations typically rely on postal and courier data, DNA traces on packaging material, as well as mobile phone movements around the scene. International legal assistance also regularly plays a role in tracing components and money flows.

The public prosecutor’s office announced it would provide further information once identities are conclusively established and relatives have been notified. Until then authorities are urging restraint from speculation about motive, authorship and possible foreign connections.