Monaco, July 2026 — Investigators believe the suspect behind the shocking backpack bomb explosion that targeted Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Ermolaev (also spelled Vadym Yermolaiev), his mistress, and their young son is a woman in her 30s who disguised herself as a man to plant the device.

The blast occurred on Monday evening outside a luxury apartment building in Monaco. The “armed and dangerous” female suspect reportedly dressed as a man and left a booby-trapped backpack on the front steps of the building. The explosion seriously injured Ermolaev, 58, and his 46-year-old mistress Anna Nasobina, who tragically lost both legs. Their 13-year-old son also sustained injuries but was less seriously hurt.

Police are conducting a major manhunt across Monaco and neighboring France. CCTV footage captured the suspect fleeing the scene toward the French town of Beausoleil after the detonation. A senior investigating source indicated that while the perpetrator attempted to disguise herself as a man, a witness was able to identify her as female.

Ermolaev, a wealthy Ukrainian-born real estate developer and businessman with reported ties to Russia, has been living in Monaco. Initial reports mistakenly identified the injured woman as his wife, but she has since confirmed she was not present at the scene. Anna Nasobina is understood to be his mistress.

This incident marks a rare violent attack in the affluent city-state of Monaco. The motive remains unclear, though speculation includes possible links to business disputes, scams, or geopolitical tensions. Authorities continue to search for the suspect, urging anyone with information to come forward.