Monaco blast injures three as suspect flees to France

A blast from an explosive device seriously injured three people at a residential building in Monaco on Monday night, and authorities said the attacker fled across the border into France on foot.

The explosion, an unusual attack in the wealthy Mediterranean principality, occurred around 9 p.m. at the entryway of a residence near the French border, Monaco’s Minister of State Christophe Mirmand told reporters. Two adults and a child were injured and taken to hospitals in France, he said.

French and Ukrainian media reported that the injured included Ukrainian construction tycoon Vadym Iermolaiev and members of his family. French broadcaster BFM and Ukrainian news site Ukrainska Pravda identified Iermolaiev as one of the victims. Ukrainska Pravda reported that he was targeted by Ukrainian sanctions in 2023 for ties to Russia, after Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Monaco’s ruler, Prince Albert II, condemned the explosion as “an odious act” and said all of the country’s services had been mobilized to ensure security.

Mirmand said French and Monaco authorities were searching for the attacker, and that the motive remained under investigation. The suspect was identified through video surveillance in Monaco and in the neighboring French town of Beausoleil after crossing the border, he said.

A French national police official said French police were looking for the suspect and assisting the investigation, but provided no further details.

The attack took place in a residential area close to France, underscoring the challenge for investigators working across the tightly linked border region. Authorities have not released the suspect’s name, announced any arrest or publicly identified a motive.

The three injured people were described by authorities as seriously hurt. Officials did not provide additional details on their conditions.