Monaco authorities are seeking a Ukrainian woman, described as armed and dangerous, who is the prime suspect in a bombing that injured Russian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev, his partner Anna Nasobina, and their son. Interpol is preparing to issue a Red Notice for the 30-something suspect, who has not been publicly identified.
The explosive device detonated in the foyer of a luxury apartment building owned by Ermolaev on Monday night, just before 9 p.m. Nasobina, 46, sustained severe shrapnel wounds and burns, leading to the amputation of her legs. Ermolaev, 58, and their son also suffered serious injuries.
Investigators identified the suspect based on witness accounts and surveillance footage showing her fleeing the scene on foot and crossing the border into France. She is believed to have then traveled to Italy. "She is armed and dangerous, and thought to be in the company of accomplices," a source familiar with the investigation stated. "She should be approached with extreme caution."
Criminal inquiries into attempted murder, planting an explosive device, and criminal conspiracy have been opened by judicial authorities in both Monaco and France. Security sources indicated the suspect was observed in the area earlier on Monday before returning to plant the bomb, which she reportedly detonated remotely using a mobile phone from approximately 12 meters away.
The wounded boy has reportedly recovered quickly and is cooperating with investigators. "He is telling them exactly what he saw, although clearly his memory is very blurred," a security source said. "It appears that his mother took the full force of the blast, while he suffered relatively minor burns and shrapnel injuries."
Nasobina, a Ukrainian national from Ermolaev's home city of Dnipro, has spent considerable time in London, where she is listed as a director for Wycombe Square Investments LLP. Ermolaev, a Ukrainian oligarch, reportedly split his time between Monaco and London.
While theories have emerged suggesting potential involvement of Ukraine's SBU security service, investigators are currently favoring a "settling of scores" among criminal elements as the primary motive. Ermolaev has reportedly made numerous enemies over the years, some linked to a past involvement in a scam involving fake call centers. His eldest son, Artur Ermolaev, was previously sentenced in Estonia for his role in such a scheme. Another businessman involved in the same racket was reportedly kidnapped, tortured, and killed in Indonesia in March 2026.