Police in Monaco and neighboring France have launched a manhunt for a suspect believed to have detonated a makeshift bomb in the center of the wealthy Mediterranean principality, seriously injuring several people, officials say.

Among those caught in the blast, which occurred at 9pm on Monday, were three Ukrainian nationals, Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed on Tuesday. All three are members of one family, the ministry said, without naming them.

The three are believed to be Ukrainian-born oligarch Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner, and their 13-year-old son, French media reported. The woman is in a life-threatening condition, while Yermolaiev and his son are less seriously injured.

France’s Le Figaro reported that investigators are considering the theory that Ukraine’s Security Service directed the attack on Yermolaiev, who relocated to Monaco in 2021 and was placed under Ukrainian sanctions in 2023 for his business dealings in Russian-annexed Crimea.

Monaco’s Prince Albert II described the incident as a “heinous crime” and “a shock to the entire Monegasque community.” An aide to French Interior Minister said police were working to find the perpetrator, who has fled.

The blast occurred at the entrance of a residential building in central Monaco. Surveillance footage shows a man in a black jacket, light trousers, and a black hat dropping a backpack before the explosion. The device contained bolts and buckshot.

Authorities have ruled out terrorism as a motive. The suspect fled on foot, crossing into the French town of Beausoleil, and is believed to have headed towards Italy. Some analysts suggest the attack may be retaliation linked to Yermolaiev’s son Artur, who was arrested in Cyprus over fraudulent call centers.

Source: www.aljazeera.com