The wife of Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev is in critical condition and has undergone amputations, including her legs, after a bomb attack in Monaco on Monday evening. Anna Ermolaev, 56, sustained severe shrapnel wounds when a backpack filled with nuts and bolts detonated in the foyer of their apartment building. Her husband, 58, and their teenage son, David Ermolaev, were also injured in the blast. The couple and their son are under constant guard by French special forces at Pasteur Hospital in Nice, France.
Monaco's Secretary of State, Christophe Mirmand, stated that CCTV footage shows a man circling the area multiple times before the explosion, suggesting he was conducting surveillance. The suspect, described as armed and dangerous, remains at large. Four other individuals were treated for shock and minor injuries from shattered glass.
Vadim Ermolaev, who amassed his fortune in commerce after the Soviet Union's collapse, has been the subject of international scrutiny. In December 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky authorized sanctions against him due to his drinks business in occupied Crimea continuing to operate with Russia. He reportedly produces a Crimean wine sold in Europe and the United States. Ermolaev is also a co-owner of Versobank, an Estonian bank whose license was suspended in 2018 for violations of anti-money laundering legislation.
Further allegations have surfaced regarding Ermolaev's business dealings, including claims that he and his eldest son, Artur Ermolaev, made millions from fraudulent call centers targeting EU citizens. Artur Ermolaev was arrested in Cyprus at the end of 2025 in connection with these claims, though the Ermolaevs deny any wrongdoing. Vadim Ermolaev, originally a real estate developer in Dnipro, Ukraine, established the Alef Group before relocating his family to Monaco, where they have maintained a high profile.
Monaco, a tax haven known for its wealthy residents, prides itself on a low crime rate. However, the principality has faced recent corruption scandals, including allegations of money laundering. Prince Albert, Monaco's ruler, has vowed to address corruption with French assistance. Given Monaco's independent status, its defense is largely handled by France, whose elite tactical unit, RAID, is involved in the investigation and protection of the victims.