The investigation into the Monaco bag bomb attack has taken a new turn. The person investigators are seeking is not a man, as initial images suggested, but a woman in her thirties. Surveillance footage shows the suspect concealed in very modest clothing: a thick black hat, black vest, white trousers, and white sneakers. Evidence suggests she may have disguised herself to appear masculine and throw investigators off the scent.
A woman actively being sought
The suspect is believed to be Ukrainian and resides in Germany. She was reportedly identified after a witness statement from someone who had interacted with her. Following the incident, she is thought to have initially traveled to Beausoleil, a French town bordering Monaco in the Alpes-Maritimes region. Investigators are also considering the possibility that she may have left the area for a neighboring country.
Reconnaissance before dropping off the bag
On the day of the attack, the woman reportedly conducted several reconnaissance trips in the neighborhood. Shortly before 21 p.m., she spotted the targeted Ukrainian family near Place des Moulins and decided to follow them. She then allegedly walked ahead of them, positioning herself about ten meters in front of their building. Upon reaching the family's apartment building, she reportedly climbed the three steps to the entrance before placing a bomb bag at the bottom of the building. She then left the scene quickly, turning back to check that the family had entered the building.
The Ukrainian route is favored.
Investigators are still focusing on the Ukrainian connection. The hypothesis being investigated is that the attack was linked to the Ukrainian intelligence service, the SBU.
The intended victim is Vadim Ermolaev, a wealthy businessman who has lived in Monaco since 2021. He had distanced himself from Ukraine, his country of origin, by obtaining a Cypriot passport in 2019. Since December 2023, he has been subject to personal sanctions imposed by Kyiv. His profile could explain investigators' interest in a Ukrainian connection. The investigation is now seeking to determine whether the attack was a settling of scores, a targeted operation, or an act orchestrated from abroad.
A sensitive and international investigation
The case now extends beyond Monaco. The suspect may have crossed into France after the attack, and then potentially fled to another country. Authorities must therefore reconstruct her exact route, identify any accomplices, and determine whether she acted alone or on orders. CCTV footage, witness statements, and location data are central to the investigation.
A scenario prepared in advance
Initial findings suggest an organized operation: reconnaissance, surveillance of the family, leaving the bag in front of the building, a quick departure, and then a possible escape from Monaco. The fact that the suspect was able to disguise her appearance reinforces the idea of a premeditated operation. Investigators are now trying to determine how long she had been following the family and how she knew their habits.
A suspect is still on the run
The identified woman remains actively sought. Her profile, her itinerary, and any possible links to Ukraine or foreign networks are central to the investigation. The inquiry will have to determine whether she was simply the one who planted the bomb or if she played a broader role in organizing the attack. For now, one thing is certain: the case has taken on a much more serious dimension, with a suspect identified, a possible escape from Monaco, and a Ukrainian connection now at the forefront.
