MONACO — The suspect identified by Monegasque police as being linked to the October 2026 bomb attack on a local millionaire gave his first public comments in an interview with the BBC on Saturday.
Police have said the investigation, launched after a device exploded outside the victim’s residence on 12 October, is ongoing and that the suspect is being held in custody pending further questioning. The victim, a 58‑year‑old entrepreneur, suffered serious injuries but survived the blast, according to a statement from the Monaco Public Prosecutor’s Office released on 13 October.
Background of the attack
The explosion, which damaged the façade of a luxury villa in the Monte Carlo district, triggered a large‑scale police operation that included the deployment of anti‑terrorism units and the cooperation of French and Italian authorities. Prosecutors said the device was a homemade explosive containing a mixture of ammonium nitrate and fuel oil, placed in a timed container near the front gate.
Initial forensic analysis indicated that the bomb was assembled using components that could be sourced from commercial suppliers, a detail that investigators said points to a lone actor rather than an organized group. The motive for the attack has not been publicly disclosed, though authorities have confirmed that the victim was the target of a personal vendetta.
Suspect’s statements to the BBC
In the interview, the suspect, whose name has not been released, said he intends to cooperate fully with the investigation and that he regrets any harm caused. He described the incident as “a tragic mistake” and asserted that he had no intention of targeting the millionaire specifically.
The suspect also said he was unaware of the exact composition of the device and that he had been approached by an unnamed third party to acquire the materials. He denied any links to extremist organisations and emphasized that he is a resident of Nice, France, who had been in Monaco for business purposes at the time of the blast.
Official response
Monaco’s chief prosecutor, Jean‑Claude Bouchard, reiterated that the investigation remains “active and thorough” and that the suspect’s cooperation will be evaluated in the context of the legal process. Bouchard added that the authorities are reviewing all communications and financial transactions related to the procurement of the explosive components.
French police, who are assisting under a bilateral agreement, confirmed that they have shared forensic findings and that a joint task force will continue to examine cross‑border links. The French interior ministry said no further arrests have been made as of the interview date.
Legal implications
Under Monaco’s Penal Code, the use of an explosive device carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment. If the suspect is found guilty of attempted murder, the penalty could be increased to life imprisonment. The suspect’s legal counsel, who declined to be named, said the interview was intended to “clarify misunderstandings” and that the client will contest any charges that lack concrete evidence.
The case has drawn attention from European security agencies, who have warned of the potential for similar attacks targeting high‑net‑worth individuals in the region. The European Union’s counter‑terrorism coordination centre issued a brief advisory on 15 October, urging member states to monitor the sale of dual‑use chemicals.
International context
Monaco, a sovereign city‑state with a population of roughly 39,000, has a low crime rate but is a frequent destination for wealthy individuals. The attack marks one of the few violent incidents in the principality in recent years and has prompted a review of security protocols around private residences.
Analysts note that the incident underscores the challenges small jurisdictions face in preventing the importation of explosive materials, especially when neighboring countries have more porous borders. The cooperation between Monaco, France, and Italy is being cited as a model for rapid cross‑border investigative work.
