The Cypriot-Ukrainian tycoon wounded in a targeted explosion in Monaco is Jewish and an active member of the Dnipro Jewish community.
Vadym Yermolaiev, his wife, Anna Innokentiivna Yermolaeva, and their 13-year-old son David were hospitalized after a suspect set off an explosive device at the entrance to their house on Monday evening.
Monaco Prosecutor General Stéphane Thibault is treating the explosion as attempted murder. He also confirmed the suspect acted alone, ruled out terrorism, and stated the manhunt is ongoing, with the suspect believed to have fled across the border into France.
According to Ukrainska Pravda, both of Yermolaiev’s wife’s legs were partially severed in the explosion, and doctors performed a double amputation.
Regional outlets in the Côte d’Azur reported that Yermolaiev sustained burns and shrapnel injuries, but he is reportedly conscious. The boy reportedly sustained burns and bruises, and a bolt from the explosive device is said to have lodged in his leg.
Who is Vadym Yermolaiev?
Vadym Yermolaiev is a Ukrainian-born oligarch and investor from Dnipro who was rated as the 23rd richest person in Ukraine in 2020. In 2019, he renounced his Ukrainian citizenship and became a citizen of Cyprus.
Yermolaiev is the chairman of Alef, which has 13 subsidiaries, including an agriculture business and the production of construction materials. Alef is named after the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet.
The Ukrainian-born oligarch was a member of the board of trustees of the Jewish community of Dnipro until at least June 2025.
On 13 May 2026, the Dnipro Jewish community wished Yermolaiev a happy birthday, calling him “a renowned businessman and philanthropist and a respected member of our kehillah (congregation).”
Yermolaiev also founded the charitable organization Jewish Future Foundation along with his son Artur.
On March 8, 2026, Chief Rabbi of Dnipro Shmuel Kamenetsky posted a video statement regarding the “fake information” circulating online about Yermolaiev.
“Yermolaiev is one of the most respected and honored leaders of the Jewish community of Ukraine,” he said.