Monaco Bombing Investigation Takes International Turn as Authorities Identify Main Suspect
Monaco authorities announced significant developments Friday in the investigation into Monday’s bombing that seriously injured three people in a residential building, identifying a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman living in Germany as the principal suspect and issuing an international arrest warrant.
Speaking during a press conference on July 3, Deputy Prosecutor Morgan Raymond said investigators required approximately 48 hours to identify the suspect after reviewing surveillance footage and gathering witness testimony. According to prosecutors, the suspect had initially been believed to be a man because she was disguised during the operation. Further analysis of video evidence and additional investigative work led authorities to identify the individual as a woman.
The explosion occurred on the evening of June 29 at the entrance of an apartment building on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla. Prosecutors say an explosive device had been concealed inside a package left in the building’s entrance before being remotely detonated as residents entered the premises. Three people were injured, two of them critically.
Investigators believe the attack was carefully planned. During the press conference, prosecutors revealed that surveillance footage showed the suspect conducting reconnaissance in Monaco on several occasions before the bombing. Authorities also stated that the suspect is believed to have fled Monaco immediately after planting the device, crossing into France before ultimately returning to Germany through several European countries.
The Prosecutor’s Office also indicated that investigators do not believe the suspect acted alone. While two men were detained earlier in the investigation, both were released after no evidence linked them directly to the attack. Authorities nevertheless continue to investigate the possibility that additional individuals assisted in planning or facilitating the operation.
An Interpol Red Notice has now been issued requesting international law enforcement agencies to locate and provisionally arrest the suspect pending extradition proceedings. German police have confirmed they searched the suspect’s residence and vehicle, recovering material that will be examined as part of the joint investigation.
Monaco officials continue to classify the case as an attempted murder investigation involving the use of an explosive device rather than an act of terrorism. Authorities have not publicly disclosed a definitive motive, emphasizing that the investigation remains active and that all relevant leads are being pursued.
Police in Monaco, working alongside French and German authorities as well as Interpol, continue efforts to locate the suspect and determine whether additional individuals participated in the planning or execution of the attack.