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▲ The residential building in Monaco where an explosive device detonated on the 30th (local time), leaving three people seriously injured.
An explosion at a residence in Monaco on June 29 (local time) left a Ukrainian tycoon and his family, who were suspected of having close ties to Russia, seriously injured, according to reports from AFP, French newspaper Le Figaro, and other outlets.
The explosion occurred around 9:00 p.m. that day at a residential building located near the border between Monaco and France.
According to Monaco investigative authorities, a suspect left an object, believed to be a bag or a package, in the building's lobby. Shortly after, three residents living on the ground floor arrived, and the explosion occurred immediately afterward.
Sources familiar with the case stated that the explosion left a couple in their 50s in critical condition, while their 13-year-old son sustained relatively minor injuries.
It was reported that the wife suffered the amputation of both legs due to the blast.
They were immediately transported to a hospital in Nice, France, where they are currently receiving treatment.
A judicial official, who requested anonymity, told AFP that one of the victims is Vadym Yermolaiev, a Ukrainian oligarch.
Yermolaiev is a millionaire residing in Monaco who was placed under sanctions by the Ukrainian government in December 2023 due to his history of activities linked to Russia.
AFP reported that the Security Service of Ukraine initiated the sanctions against Yermolaiev citing his involvement in alcohol-related businesses in the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula.
Monaco authorities have not officially disclosed the identities of the victims.
Stéphane Thibault, the Monaco public prosecutor, announced at a press conference on the 30th that an investigation has been launched on charges of attempted murder and the placement of explosives in a public space.
However, he added that the incident is not currently being viewed as an act of organized terrorism.
Christophe Mirman, the Minister of State of Monaco, told AFP that the explosive device appeared to contain bolts and pellets, adding, "It is the first time such an incident (bomb attack) has occurred in the Principality of Monaco."
He further noted that intelligence agencies are working to verify the backgrounds of the victims and assess the possibility of further attacks.
The suspect was identified as having crossed the border into France on foot.
Authorities stated that they identified the suspect through CCTV footage in Beausoleil, a French town adjacent to Monaco.
French police are also reportedly assisting in the search for the suspect.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is in contact with Monaco authorities regarding the incident, which left three Ukrainian nationals injured.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also confirmed that the three victims are members of the same family but did not verify their identities.
Prince Albert II of Monaco condemned the incident, calling it "a heinous crime and a shock that has shaken the entire Monaco community."
Monaco is a city-state on the Mediterranean coast famous for its casinos and the Formula One (F1) Grand Prix, and is considered a world-renowned tourist destination.
(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.
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