A Ukrainian oligarch's mistress lost both legs in a targeted bombing in Monaco that also endangered her partner and their teenage son. Anna Nasobin, 46, suffered the loss of both legs after an explosive device detonated in the lobby of their apartment block on Monday evening.
Attack Details and Victims
The blast occurred around 9 p.m. as the victims were returning home. Vadim Ermolaev, 58, and his 13-year-old son, whom he shares with Nasobin, were also caught in the explosion. Both are reported to be in stable condition. Earlier reports had incorrectly identified Ermolaev's wife, Anna Ermolaev, as the injured party. She was not present at the time.
Ukrainian political blogger Anatoly Shariy clarified the situation: "During the explosion with Ermolaev, it was not his wife. It was this woman who lost her legs and is on the brink of life and death. Ermolaev was with his mistress, Anna Nasobina. She has been with him for a long time. They have a common child of 13 years."
Wife's Statement
Anna Ermolaev released a statement to Ukrainian state media outlet Suspline, saying: "We are currently in a state of severe stress and are actively cooperating with the investigation and law enforcement agencies." She did not directly comment on reports that her husband's mistress, not her, was the victim.
Background of the Mistress
Nasobin, originally from Dnipro, Ukraine, serves as director of British company Wycombe Square Investments LLP and is based in London. She is also co-founder of Club Eclectique, a private literary and arts society with headquarters in the UK and an office in Monaco. The club's gatherings are often attended by Russian entertainers with pro-Kremlin affiliations and members of the Russian diaspora in London, according to the Daily Mail.
Investigation and Motive
Monaco police have launched an attempted murder inquiry. The suspect planted the explosive device in the entrance hall and fled on foot, using stairs to reach the neighbouring French town of Beausoleil. CCTV images show the suspect wearing a black jacket, light-coloured trousers, white shoes, and a black hat partially obscuring his face.
Ukrainian police believe the attack may be linked to Ermolaev's alleged involvement in a fraudulent call centre scheme worth over $113 million. According to Ukrainian publication Ukrainska Pravda, the attack was regarded as a warning shot rather than a full-blown assassination attempt, arising from a collapsed agreement over territorial divisions and outstanding debts allegedly owed to criminal figures in Ukraine.
Official Reactions
Monaco's Minister of State, Christophe Mirmand, stated: "They were caught in the explosion as they crossed the threshold of their apartment building. It appears that the family was specifically targeted." He noted that the alleged perpetrator had walked around the area several times while waiting for the victims, according to surveillance footage.
Prince Albert II of Monaco condemned the attack as "an odious act" and confirmed that all of the country's services had been mobilised to guarantee security.
Ermolaev's Background
Ermolaev, a Ukrainian-born businessman originally from Dnipro, amassed his wealth through the Alef Group, a diversified holding company with interests in commercial property, manufacturing, and agriculture. He became one of Ukraine's most prominent property developers and has frequently featured in rankings of the country's wealthiest individuals. In an interview with Forbes Ukraine, he revealed he had relinquished his Ukrainian citizenship and obtained Cypriot nationality in 2017.
In December 2023, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy imposed sanctions on Ermolaev as part of a wider package targeting individuals and companies with business ties to Russia or Russian-occupied territories. Ukrainska Pravda reported that his drinks company in occupied Crimea had connections to Russia, leading to the sanctions.
Security in Monaco
Monaco, a sun-drenched haven for the wealthy, is known for its tax advantages and Formula 1 Grand Prix. It is widely considered one of the most secure locations globally, with an extensive network of thousands of CCTV cameras covering most public areas. The principality's population of 38,000 is highly diverse, with only a fifth holding citizenship.
