Ukrainian authorities have initiated a judicial investigation following an attempted attack on Vadym Iermolaiev, a prominent real estate developer and businessman. The incident occurred recently in the lobby of a building when a booby-trapped bag placed near the family was remotely detonated. Investigators believe the device was triggered using an object resembling a remote control as the family approached the area.

Three investigative judges have been appointed to oversee the inquiry, focusing on charges that include attempted murder. Iermolaiev, 58, was born in the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro but renounced his Ukrainian citizenship in 2017 and currently holds Cypriot citizenship exclusively.

Iermolaiev is a well-known figure in Ukraine’s business community and chairs Alef, a conglomerate with interests across 13 companies in agribusiness, real estate development, and construction materials manufacturing. He has frequently been listed among Ukraine’s wealthiest individuals, with a net worth estimated in the hundreds of millions of U.S. dollars.

The businessman has been a controversial figure in Ukraine amid accusations from Kyiv’s government relating to alleged collaboration with Russia. Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) has claimed that Iermolaiev engaged in the trade of alcohol in Russian-occupied Crimea and paid substantial taxes to the Russian treasury. These allegations led to the freezing of his Ukrainian assets. Iermolaiev has denied all accusations of collaboration.

Earlier reports had suggested that Iermolaiev’s wife had been injured in the attack; however, it was later clarified that she was not present at the location at the time. Anna Iermolaieva, speaking to Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne, stated that the family is under considerable stress but is cooperating with investigators. She also indicated that for security reasons, she was not prepared to provide further comments at this time.