A sunny place for shady people: How 84 Ukrainian oligarchs dubbed the 'Monaco Battalion' are hiding out in the south of France fleeing Russia war after an assassin tried to blow up Vadym Ermolaev and his mistress outside £4million love nest

Published: 18:39, 4 July 2026 | Updated: 18:43, 4 July 2026 Monaco has long been a favoured home of celebrities, aristocrats and the ultra-rich, with its tax haven status, sun-soaked Mediterranean location and crime-free reputation. Situated on the idyllic French Riviera, the glamorous principality is known for its superyachts, luxurious holiday homes and the iconic Monte Carlo Casino – beloved, most famously, of James Bond. But the seeming safety and picture perfection of this sovereign city state was called into serious question this week after a suspected assassination attempt on a Ukrainian oligarch took place right in the centre of town. The Daily Mail revealed earlier this week that Vadim Ermolaev, 58, was with his lover Anna Nasobina, 46, and their 13-year-old son when the attack happened at around 9pm on Monday. Ms Nasobina is said to have had both her legs blown off in the explosion in the entrance to their luxury apartment building and is now fighting for her life in intensive care in hospital. The prime suspect, who left both Ms Nasobina's long-time boyfriend and son seriously injured too, is Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, from Ukraine, who is believed to be 'armed and dangerous'. Theories have abounded as to why the billionaire was targeted – from Ukrainian secret service involvement, to retribution for involvement in an alleged call centre fraud scheme, to 'a settling of scores' by gangsters. But one thing is for certain: it has cracked open a murky world of corruption, draft-dodging and white-collar crime stretching all the way down the Cote d'Azur – and is centred on a list of super-rich Ukrainian locals known to security services in Kyiv as the 'Monaco Battalion'. Monaco has long been a favoured home of celebrities, aristocrats and the ultra-rich, with its tax haven status, sun-soaked Mediterranean location and crime-free reputation But the seeming safety and picture perfection of this sovereign city state was called into serious question this week after a suspected assassination attempt on a Ukrainian oligarch took place right in the centre of town. Pictured: Broken windows in the building where the explosion took place  This week's events have cracked open a murky world of corruption, draft-dodging and white-collar crime stretching all the way down the Cote d'Azur (pictured) It was a quiet summer evening in Monaco when Ermolaev, his lover and son were 'returning home peacefully' to the Sun's Palace apartment block on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla. The Ukrainian tycoon is understood to own all but one of the six flats in the entire four-floor 1920s building – which was, at the time of the blast, otherwise completely empty. It is also believed the £4million Belle Epoque property was the kept residence of his mistress. A source based in Monte Carlo said: 'The principality is full of love nests, and this was a classic one. 'They are usually very hard for other people to locate – those doing the renting will fill out leases using third parties, so that their own names aren't associated with the property.' Initial reports suggested the woman with Ermolaev at the time of the explosion had been his wife, Anna, 56, a dentist and charity worker, and the mother of his other four children. But this newspaper disclosed it was in fact Ukraine-born but London-based Ms Nasobina – and the Ermolaev family home, meanwhile, is in nearby Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat. Security and police sources said cameras first picked up the suspect, who was seen 'circling the building' on foot in the area on Monday morning, before she returned to place the bomb. As the attacker placed the backpack full of nuts and bolts in the building, the family are said to have been entering a nearby car park. The suspect is thought to have sat on a bench 'around 12 metres away' as she waited for her targets, before detonating the device, using her mobile, at 8.58pm. One insider said: 'They were clearly an expert in handling explosives – possibly ex-military or police.' The three victims are said to have been dressed in summer clothes, looking relaxed and not particularly cautious. Sources have told the Daily Mail there was 'bafflement at the openness and arrogance' with which the bomber acted – and that the attack has all the hallmarks of a 'coordinated operation'. 'This suggests a highly sophisticated attack – one that was likely to have involved days and even weeks of planning,' according to one insider. 'The block being empty meant the attacker had a clear run to place the explosives, to watch the intended victims, and then to trigger an explosion as soon as they were near the rucksack. Vadim Ermolaev (pictured), 58, was with his lover Anna Nasobina, 46, and their 13-year-old son when the attack happened at around 9pm on Monday  Ms Nasobina (pictured) is said to have had both her legs blown off in the explosion in the entrance to their luxury apartment building and is now fighting for her life in intensive care in hospital The prime suspect, who left both Ermolaev and his son seriously injured too, is Anastasiia Berezovska (pictured), 39, from Ukraine who is believed to be 'armed and dangerous' Theories have abounded as to why the billionaire was targeted – from Ukrainian secret service involvement, to retribution for involvement in an alleged call centre fraud scheme, to 'a settling of scores' by gangsters. Pictured: His apartment building, where the attacker struck  Monegasque and French police launched a days-long manhunt for the suspect, who was seen on CCTV (pictured), wearing a black bucket hat, fleeing the scene to nearby French town Beausoleil  Now, Berezovska (pictured) has emerged as the prime suspect, with Interpol naming and picturing her, as well as sharing a Red Notice on its website seeking her arrest The international law enforcement agency released two photos of the suspect on Friday. Pictured: Interpol's Red Notice seeking Berezovska's arrest  Your browser does not support iframes. 'There was nothing random about this, and no chance of anyone else scuppering the operation.' More than a hundred police and emergency personnel were deployed to the scene. Four others were treated for shock and cuts from windows shattered by the blast. Monegasque and French police launched a days-long manhunt for the suspect, who was seen on CCTV, wearing a black bucket hat, fleeing the scene to nearby French town Beausoleil. Now, Berezovska has emerged as the prime suspect, with Interpol naming and picturing her, as well as sharing a Red Notice on its website seeking her arrest.  The international law enforcement agency released two photos of the suspect on Friday, with a notice saying she has a tattoo, possibly of a snake, on her right arm from the shoulder to the elbow. It says she was born in Ukraine, has dark hair, and speaks German.  It says her arrest is sought by authorities in Monaco for attempted murder and other charges.  Stéphane Thibault, Monaco's prosecutor general, confirmed the suspect was currently registered as living in Germany. A senior investigating source suggested the woman had 'attempted to look like a man' during the attack – but a witness identified her. 'She is armed and dangerous, and thought to be in the company of accomplices,' said the source. 'She should be approached with extreme caution.' Detectives previously noticed the 'portly nature' of the attacker and the 'slightly disfigured face', according to a police source – suggesting use of a disguise. Criminals are known to wear thin plastic masks and even fat suits when operating in places constantly under surveillance. Mr Thibault said the suspect was likely to be on the run with accomplices in Italy, but might have made her way as far as the Balkans. Judicial authorities in both France and Monaco have now opened a criminal enquiry for 'attempted murder', 'the planting of an explosive device on a public road with criminal intent' and 'criminal conspiracy'. It came after a breakthrough for police and prosecutors, with the Daily Mail learning Ermolaev's son has now made a rapid recovery – and is currently providing evidence. 'He is telling them exactly what he saw, although clearly his memory is very blurred,' a security source said. 'It appears that his mother took the full force of the blast, while he suffered relatively minor burns and shrapnel injuries.' When the Daily Mail visited Monaco, where Ermolaev has reportedly been living since 2021, the day after the attack, it was clear this was a tight-knit community. At only roughly two sq km, with just around 40,000 residents, the principality is the second smallest country in the world after Vatican City. When the Daily Mail visited Monaco the day after the attack, tense scenes were visible at the site of the blast, where a heavy police presence (pictured) remained on patrol The apartment building remained cordoned off with red and white police tape Access to the street was also completely blocked. Pictured: A police car parked on a nearby road  Several smashed windows could be seen in the handsome peach stucco-fronted building The stone sign marking the name of the block had been blasted to pieces Just visible was a white sheet near the steps leading up to the door – which were seen, in grim photos earlier this week, spattered with blood The scene of the blast is right in the heart of Monaco, with the apartment block looking out (pictured) over the impressive seafront  This tiny enclave is, plainly, where the super-rich feel safe – passersby could be seen greeting each other by name, while drivers stopped in the middle of the road to wave to friends. But this congenial atmosphere was a marked contrast to tense scenes at the site of this week's blast, where a heavy police presence remained on patrol. The apartment building remained cordoned off with red and white police tape, with access to the entire street blocked. Several smashed windows could be seen in the handsome peach stucco-fronted building, with the stone sign marking the name of the block blasted to pieces. Just visible was a white sheet near the steps leading up to the door – which were seen, in grim photos earlier this week, spattered with blood. Monaco mostly relies on neighbouring France for military defence but has a substantial police presence for its modest size, with around 500 officers – the largest per-capita force in the world. And the heavy security was visible, with enormous CCTV cameras positioned on street corners – making the attacker's thus far successful escape even more incredible. In fact, the scene of the blast is right in the heart of Monaco, with the apartment block looking out over the impressive seafront, surrounded by shops and other luxury residential buildings. One local, who identified herself only as Bobo, or Boran, who lives on the same street as the apartment block, was quick to emphasise the broader safety of Monaco. Of the attack, the resident, who has lived in the principality for around 40 years after moving from Lebanon, told the Daily Mail: 'It's personal. It's not about Monaco. 'We have lots of security cameras here. The police were amazing, they came very quickly.' She added: 'Write well about Monaco – we want tourists to come back!' Her sentiments, though jokingly issued, echoed those in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) after the onset of the recent war in the Middle East. Authorities in the similarly glitzy Dubai, keen to preserve the city's crime-free reputation, have cracked down on tourists and expats speaking out online about wartime there. Boran also said: 'We have lots of Ukrainians here who have come since the war. We have a lovely Ukrainian bakery down the street. They work very hard – not all of them are like this man.' Another resident, who said he spends the summers in the principality, told the Daily Mail: 'It has never happened in Monaco before. It is really interesting.' One local, who identified herself only as Bobo, or Boran, who lives on the same street as the apartment block, was quick to emphasise the broader safety of Monaco. Pictured: Ongoing police presence in the area  Of the attack, the resident, who has lived in the principality for around 40 years after moving from Lebanon, told the Daily Mail: 'It's personal. It's not about Monaco'. Pictured: Smashed windows at the apartment building targeted in the blast  Another resident, who said he spends the summers in the principality, told the Daily Mail: 'It has never happened in Monaco before. It is really interesting' Reports on Tuesday in France suggested investigators are examining the possible involvement of the Ukrainian secret service - but it would be utterly remarkable for Ukraine to carry out such an attack on Monaco (pictured) The principality (pictured) is considered neutral territory and has never before seen a blast of this nature. France, which supports Monegasque security, is also currently a key ally of Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 Security sources have now told the Daily Mail 'a settling of scores' by gangsters is currently the favoured line of investigation. Pictured: The apartment building targeted in the attack  Ukrainian police said previously the oligarch may have been blown up over his alleged links to a €100million call centre fraud scheme. His eldest son, Artur (pictured), was arrested late last year for involvement in the network  It has previously been said the blast may have been a 'warning' rather than a deliberate attempt at murder. Reports on Tuesday in France suggested investigators are examining the possible involvement of the Ukrainian secret service. Investigators said Kyiv and Moscow have become notorious for producing 'ghost attackers', who infiltrate foreign countries, carry out their crimes, then disappear without trace. Law and order authorities in countries like France will have no record of them at all, let alone DNA details. But it would be utterly remarkable for Ukraine to carry out such an attack on Monaco, which is considered neutral territory and has never before seen a blast of this nature. France, which supports Monegasque security, is also currently a key ally of Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 – a relationship Kyiv will surely be keen to protect. Ukrainian outlet Pravda, meanwhile, reported the attack stemmed from a failed agreement to divide territory and unpaid debts allegedly owed to organised crime bosses in Dnipro, Ukraine, where Ermolaev and his lover are both from. There was also a claim in French news outlet Nice-Matin that Ermolaev had planned to deliver a speech to the European Parliament alleging corruption in Ukraine. But security sources have now told the Daily Mail 'a settling of scores' by gangsters is currently the favoured line of investigation. Indeed, Ukrainian police said previously the oligarch may have been blown up over his alleged links to a €100million call centre fraud scheme. Sources claimed the violent attack is directly linked to a network of fraudulent call centres in Dnipro, Ukraine, allegedly used to carry out large-scale financial scams across Europe. The Ermolaev family is alleged to have played a significant role in the scheme, with a sprawling pan-European investigation reportedly focussing on the oligarch's name. His eldest son, Artur, 35, was also arrested in Cyprus late last year for his involvement in the alleged scheme. He was extradited to Estonia, where around 500 customers of the network lost roughly £5million each, and sentenced to five years in prison, with four months to be served behind bars. Artur was released in April this year on bail of around £7million and now lives in Israel – which does not extradite criminals wanted abroad. Others involved in the scheme, however, have faced a much worse fate. A desire for higher security is said to have been one of the reasons Ermolaev first moved to Monaco (pictured) His friend, Seyar Kurshutov, a Ukrainian businessman from Crimea, who now spends a lot of time in the principality, said the magnate was 'obsessed with security'. Pictured: Luxury shops in the Monte Carlo area of Monaco  This week's attack is just the tip of the murky iceberg that is the French Riviera – which, though largely visibly safe from violent crime, is completely rotten with white-collar corruption. Pictured: The infamous Monte Carlo Casino in Monaco  Numerous scandals have besieged the so-called Rock (pictured) in recent years, including allegations of money laundering by mafia-style gangs, including some from Ukraine Prince Albert II, the ruler of Monaco, has pledged to clamp down on corruption, with the help of the French authorities – but his attempts have not quite succeeded yet. Pictured: Supercars parked outside a hotel in the Monte Carlo area of Monaco   Businessman Igor Komarov, 28, for instance, was kidnapped, tortured, killed and dismembered while on holiday in Bali, Indonesia, in March. A security source said: 'The killers have never been found. This gives an idea of the kind of enemies Ermolaev is up against.' According to Russian outlet Baza, the Ermolaev family had been expecting an attack, with Artur's lawyer warning of such a risk two months before the recent Monaco blast. Believing Artur in particular could be the target over his recent crimes, Denis Tšasovskih submitted documents to the court about the potential threat to the family. He asked that certain personal information about the family, such as their addresses, was not published in the judge's final ruling – but this was rejected. A desire for higher security is said to have been one of the reasons Ermolaev first moved to Monaco. His friend, Seyar Kurshutov, a Ukrainian businessman from Crimea, who now spends a lot of time in the principality, said the magnate was 'obsessed with security'. 'Vadim was living on a razor's edge', he told French outlet Le Monde. It is just the tip of the murky iceberg that is the French Riviera – which, though largely visibly safe from violent crime, is completely rotten with white-collar corruption. Numerous scandals have besieged the so-called Rock in recent years, including allegations of money laundering by mafia-style gangs, including some from Ukraine. Prince Albert II, the ruler of Monaco, has pledged to clamp down on corruption, with the help of the French authorities – but his attempts have not quite succeeded yet. The recent attack has brought to new light a group of ultra-rich Ukrainian individuals living in the region, who have been described by intelligence officials in Kyiv as the 'Monaco Battalion'. Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Four years later, after more than 15,000 confirmed civilian deaths and nearly 50,000 wounded in Ukraine, the war is still raging on. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has, since the start of the conflict, asked all able-bodied men aged 16 to 60 to fight for their country in a general mobilisation order. While most joined the war effort from the start, some 84 Ukrainian oligarchs – variously businessmen, diplomats, football executives and even MPs – fled to southern France to escape. They are now living the high life on the French Riviera in high-security villas, driving sports cars and superyachts and conducting their murky business from under the Mediterranean sun. The recent attack has brought to new light a group of ultra-rich Ukrainian individuals living in the region, who have been described by intelligence officials in Kyiv as the 'Monaco Battalion'. Pictured: Monte Carlo harbour in Monaco  Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Four years later, after more than 15,000 confirmed civilian deaths and nearly 50,000 wounded in Ukraine, the war is still raging on. Pictured: Fragments of a projectile that hit an apartment building in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday  Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky (pictured last month) has, since the start of the conflict, asked all able-bodied men aged 16 to 60 to fight for their country in a general mobilisation order While most joined the war effort from the start, some 84 Ukrainian oligarchs – variously businessmen, diplomats, football executives and even MPs – fled to southern France (pictured) to escape They are now living the high life on the French Riviera in high-security villas, driving sports cars and superyachts and conducting their murky business from under the Mediterranean sun. Pictured: The Monte Carlo area of Monaco  The secret service in Kyiv, known as the SBU, opened an investigation in 2022 into these VIP exiles, which gave them their nickname. Though inquiries are ongoing, local government sources in Monte Carlo have said four years on, there are now around 20 and 30 of the Monaco Battalion remaining in the principality. Insiders have said the departed members will likely have gone on to other places also traditionally full of emigrés, such as Dubai, London, Paris and Israel. The west coast of America has also been said to be increasingly popular, particularly from San Francisco through the Pacific states, such as Oregon and Washington. The vast coastline is full of beautiful beachside villas offering maximum privacy with their fortress-like construction. Many of the Battalion have documented ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin or reputations gallingly barely clouded by ongoing criminal proceedings. Some, as per their moniker, have connections to Monaco – but many actually live around ten kilometres down the coast in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, otherwise known as Billionaire's Peninsula. Home to only around 1,400 residents, living across roughly 500 mostly self-contained luxury villas, the gorgeous village takes up a secluded headland of just over two sq km. The area has previously been beloved of several famous visitors, from French poet Jean Cocteau, to artist Pablo Picasso, and even former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who is commemorated in a seafront statue, painting the port.  It is the second most expensive place to live in both France and the entire world, coming after only Monaco – and this was certainly clear when the Daily Mail visited this week. Properties were barely visible from the road, protected by high-security gates and enormous CCTV cameras – with the island's edge fenced off with barbed wire and monitored by police. Luxury abounded, with a branch of the iconic Four Seasons hotel and glittering superyachts filling the bay, just down the coast from Nice. It was a sobering contrast with scenes in Ukraine, where the Monaco Battalion's countrymen are fighting for their lives as bombs continue to rain down. Saint-Jean has a distinct local identity, even boasting its own flag, in blue and yellow colours – in a serendipitous echo of the national flag of the village's Ukrainian newcomers. Visible across the whole seafront, flying from large flagpoles, alongside accordingly coloured bunting, it served as a prescient reminder of the Monaco Battalion who now call it home. Locals told the Daily Mail of the increased presence of Ukrainians in Saint-Jean, with the oligarchs often retreating from the broader community to their fortress-like villas. One shopkeeper, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Daily Mail: 'The Ukrainians are not really my customers because for me, I am for local people, normal people, and the Ukrainians who are here are rich so we do not see them. 'There are lots of them living here in villas but we don't see them because they don't want us to know they are here. They are very private.' Pierre Macre, who works at the Little Italy Pizzeria, said: 'We are seeing more Ukrainian people coming to the area and living here. They are rich and mostly live in villas.' Oscar Vita, who works at nearby patisserie Les Delices de Marius, similarly said: 'I have seen a lot more Ukrainian car number plates here since the war started.' But who exactly is it that lives in this gilded enclave, where the streets are paved with laundered gold? The Daily Mail has broken down the highest-profile members of this super-rich set. Some, as per their moniker, have connections to Monaco – but many actually live around ten kilometres down the coast in Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat (pictured), otherwise known as Billionaire's Peninsula Home to only around 1,400 residents, living across roughly 500 mostly self-contained luxury villas, the gorgeous village (pictured) takes up a secluded headland of just over two sq km The area has previously been beloved of several famous visitors, including former Prime Minister Winston Churchill, who is commemorated in a seafront statue (pictured), painting the port It is the second most expensive place to live in both France and the entire world, coming after only Monaco This was certainly clear when the Daily Mail visited this week Luxury abounded, with a branch of the iconic Four Seasons hotel and glittering superyachts filling the bay, just down the coast from Nice It was a sobering contrast with scenes in Ukraine, where the Monaco Battalion's countrymen are fighting for their lives as bombs continue to rain down. Pictured: A rescue worker stands in a residential building damaged following a Russian air attack on Kyiv, Ukraine, on Friday Saint-Jean has a distinct local identity, even boasting its own flag (pictured), in blue and yellow colours – in a serendipitous echo of the national flag of the village's Ukrainian newcomers Visible across the whole seafront, flying from large flagpoles, alongside accordingly coloured bunting (pictured), it served as a prescient reminder of the Monaco Battalion who now call it home Locals told the Daily Mail of the increased presence of Ukrainians in Saint-Jean, who often retreat from the broader community to their fortress-like villas  Pierre Macre (pictured), who works at the Little Italy Pizzeria in Saint-Jean, said: 'We are seeing more Ukrainian people coming to the area and living here' Oscar Vita (pictured), who works at nearby patisserie Les Delices de Marius, similarly said: 'I have seen a lot more Ukrainian car number plates here since the war started'  But who exactly is it that lives in this gilded enclave, where the streets are paved with laundered gold? Alongside his Monaco love nest, Ermolaev has a high-security villa in Saint-Jean, which serves as a base for his wife and children – Artur, Dayana, 28, Sonya, 22, and David, 16. He is also known locally for his enormous £250,000 burgundy Bentley car, which he often parks outside the nearby Monte Carlo Casino, and Ukrainian-flagged superyacht. Ermolaev has described allegations he is a member of the Monaco Battalion as 'completely surreal' – with no further explanation. He was named the 39th richest Ukrainian by Forbes magazine in 2020, with a fortune of £173.8million. The tycoon, who studied economics before completing military service in the Soviet army, made his fortune partly as a real estate developer. He also founded what would become the Alef Group, a conglomerate active in property, agribusiness, construction and manufacturing. According to Nice-Matin, he is the co-owner of Versobank, an Estonian bank which had its licence suspended by the European Central Bank in 2018. It came after what was dubbed 'systematic violations of anti-money laundering legislation' – as 87 per cent of deposits made at its branches were allegedly by non-residents. Like many oligarchs who became rich following the fall of the Soviet Union, Mr Ermolaev has faced accusations of criminality, including money laundering, which he denies. He has also denied involvement in the alleged call centre scheme.  In 2019, he renounced his Ukrainian citizenship and obtained a Cypriot passport. He also partly made his fortune in spirits production, especially wine – and in December 2023, he was sanctioned by Kyiv for selling alcohol in Russian-occupied Crimea, which he has denied. Ermolaev's mistress, Ms Nasobina, meanwhile, spends most of her time in England, where she is listed as a director of Wycombe Square Investments LLP in London. Ermolaev's mistress, Ms Nasobina, spends most of her time in England, where she is listed as a director of Wycombe Square Investments LLP in London. Pictured: Ms Nasobina, second right, with two prominent Russian women - supermodel Natalia Vodianova, second left, and fashion designer Ulyana Sergeenko, right She is also the co-founder of Club Eclectique, a private members' and literary arts society registered in Oxford Street in London, with a linked Monaco office She is also the co-founder of Club Eclectique, a private members' and literary arts society registered in Oxford Street in London, with a linked Monaco office. It was set up in 2016. The club's events feature Russian entertainers with pro-Kremlin ties, and attendees include members of the Moscow diaspora in London. One 2017 event she hosted, in honour of ballet legend Rudolf Nureyev, saw guests including Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Yasmin Mills, designer Julien Macdonald, party queen Jo Wood, singer Camilla Kerslake and actress Camilla Rutherford attend. Members of the club have previously taken group trips to Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, on a luxury Belmond Pullman vintage train and were pictured at Royal Ascot in 2021. The club has long-standing ties to the Monaco area and France more generally, with previous events hosted in locations including a luxury villa in Eze, also on the Cote d'Azur, and at the Palace of Versailles, near Paris. Previous attendees include Anna Andres, a former Miss Ukraine who is now married to legendary Cannes nightlife tycoon David Barokas, and Armenian-born Russian actress Satis Pivakova. The high-society club has previously been featured in both Russian Tatler and Russian Vogue. Ms Nasobina has long been linked to the Cote d'Azur, sharing glamorous trips of time spent in the region, including in St Tropez and Antibes, as long as around 15 years ago. Ermolaev's eldest daughter, Dayana, lives in London, where she runs salami business Eat Kennies. With a net worth of $7.8billion (£6.2billion), according to Forbes magazine in May, Rinat Akhmetov is, put simply, the wealthiest man in Ukraine – and the 477th richest in the world. The coal, iron, steel and media magnate, who also owns Ukrainian football club Shakhtar Donetsk, has long been clouded by controversy. Allegations stretching back to the nineties claim he led an organised crime syndicate - which he denies - and controlled the now defunct Donetsk Clan, a group of Ukrainian oligarchs and mafia. Speaking to The Washington Post in 2022, Akhmetov said he has 'never been involved with any criminal organizations': 'I have never been prosecuted and no criminal charges were pressed against me.'  The organisation bankrolled the pro-Russian Party of Regions, which was overthrown in the 2014 Revolution of Dignity protests in Ukraine – thus seeing the clan collapse. The magnate has also publicly clashed with Zelensky, over de-oligarchisation laws targeting his businesses. The president then went on to allege, in 2021, that Akhmetov's circle was involved in a Russian-backed coup plot against him – which the billionaire dismissed as lies. When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Akhmetov boarded a private jet to the French Riviera. But it was not his first time in the region, where he has long-standing connections, according to Nice-Matin. He first fled to the Cote d'Azur in 2004 over suspected involvement in alleged election rigging by pro-Russian candidate Viktor Yanukovych, whose Party of Regions he was financing at the time. He is said to have taken refuge, for two years, in a luxurious suite at the seafront five-star Hotel Hermitage, in the Monte Carlo area of Monaco. The tycoon left in 2006, when legal proceedings against him had been dropped in his country. With a net worth of $7.8billion (£6.2billion), according to Forbes magazine in May, Rinat Akhmetov (pictured) is, put simply, the wealthiest man in Ukraine – and the 477th richest in the world He has long-standing connections to the French Riviera. He is said to have taken refuge, for two years, in a luxurious suite at the seafront five-star Hotel Hermitage (pictured), in the Monte Carlo area of Monaco Akhmetov bought a five-storey, 21-room apartment (pictured) called Mareterra in the Le Renzo building in Monaco for around £405million in 2024 He also owns a £399million superyacht called Luminance (pictured), which has been dubbed a 'maritime fortress' at a whopping 455ft Weeks later, he was elected as an MP to the Ukrainian parliament, known as the Rada – but he continued to visit the French Riviera regularly. Akhmetov eventually purchased his own home in the region in 2019, picking up Villa des Cedres in Saint-Jean for €200million. The gargantuan 19th-century property boasts 18,000 sq m of space, including a 14 ha botanical garden, and was once owned by King Leopold II of Belgium. He also bought a five-storey, 21-room apartment called Mareterra in the Le Renzo building in Monaco for around £405million in 2024. Within its 2,500 sq m are a private pool, jacuzzi and at least eight parking spaces – and his purchase is considered one of the most expensive single residential transactions ever recorded. Akhmetov also owns a £399million superyacht called Luminance, which has been dubbed a 'maritime fortress' at a whopping 455ft – longer than three Olympic swimming pools. Fitted with two helipads, a pool, jacuzzi and beach club, it is frequently pictured in Monaco harbour and flies a Cayman Islands flag. Kostyantyn Zhevago served as an MP in Ukraine from 1998 to 2019 – but he made his billions as the founder and controlling shareholder of iron ore giant Ferrexpo. In fact, he was once Europe's youngest self-made billionaire, with a peak net worth of around $1.8billion, or £1.36billion – more recently estimated at around $1.2billion, or £905million. Zhevago is wanted in Ukraine over the disappearance of $113million (£85million) from his own bank, Finance & Credit. At Kyiv's request, he was detained in Courchevel in December 2022 – but courts in France refused to extradite him. A Ukrainian court has since ordered seizure of his Ferrexpo shares – but he continues to escape the law and now lives between Dubai and France. Zhevago fled to Monaco in 2019 to escape the proceedings, where his 65m yacht can often be seen sailing between the principality, Saint-Jean and Antibes, according to Nice-Matin. Kostyantyn Zhevago (pictured) served as an MP in Ukraine from 1998 to 2019 – but he made his billions as the founder and controlling shareholder of iron ore giant Ferrexpo His 65m yacht (pictured) can often be seen sailing between Monaco, Saint-Jean and Antibes, according to Nice-Matin Ukrainian journalists have previously filmed him (pictured) on the deck of the vessel returning from a shopping trip with his wife, with his arms laden with Chanel bags Ukrainian journalists have previously filmed him on the deck of the vessel returning from a shopping trip with his wife, with his arms laden with Chanel bags. The boat is simply called Z, which has taken on a particularly notable resonance since the letter became a symbol of support for Russia in the ongoing war in Ukraine. Representatives for the businessman have previously denied he has fled the law, saying he is abroad for 'personal and medical circumstances'. They claim this is a 'valid reason for being abroad under current Ukrainian law' and that he has never been subject to an arrest warrant. Ihor Surkis and his brother Hryhoriy Surkis made their names in football. Ihor owns Ukrainian club Dynamo Kyiv while his brother was once president of the Ukrainian Football League – and vice-president of UEFA. They have long-standing connections to Monaco, where they are said to have essentially taken up residence in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Several local outlets have claimed the brothers fled Ukraine with their families days into the war – bringing around $17million (roughly £12.8million) in cash in their car, which they have denied. Pravda reported the brothers set up base at the luxury Monte Carlo Bay Hotel, renting a second-floor apartment for €2million a year. Ihor now reportedly rents an apartment in Monte-Carlo Bay for €2million, or £1.7million, a year. Ihor Surkis and his brother Hryhoriy Surkis made their names in football. Pictured: Ihor, who owns Ukrainian club Dynamo Kiev, with player Andrey Shevchenko after he signed with the team in 2009 Hryhoriy (pictured at a press conference for the 2012 Euros in Kyiv, Ukraine), meanwhile, was once president of the Ukrainian Football League – and vice-president of UEFA Pravda reported the brothers initially set up base at the luxury Monte Carlo Bay Hotel (pictured), renting a second-floor apartment for €2million a year The pair, whose net worth is estimated at more than $260million, are said to be known for splashing their cash at the Monte Carlo Casino (pictured), according to Nice-Matin The pair, whose net worth is estimated at more than $260million, are said to be known for splashing their cash at the Monte Carlo Casino, according to Nice-Matin. They were caught up in footballing controversy in 2017 when UEFA realised funds it believed were being paid to Hryhoriy's Ukrainian Football League were actually being diverted. The cash was in fact landing in the account of an offshore company, Newport Management, registered in the British Virgin Islands and administered by Ihor, as well as in the accounts of Hungarian and Latvian companies. The scheme operated for nearly 17 years before UEFA stopped it, causing estimated losses to the European football governing body of more than €380million. Ihor has denied wrongdoing, calling allegations of embezzlement 'unfounded' and 'manipulative'.   Igor Abramovych, also known as Ihor, started out as a businessman, working in gas extraction, alternative energy, gas and electricity trading, road construction, real estate, IT and the stock markets under a mixture of Ukrainian and off-shore entities. Later entering politics, he was one of top 25 wealthiest MPs of his time, declaring around £1.18million in income for 2018 and £253,000 in 2019. Abramovych left Ukraine days before the February 2022 invasion, with fellow MP Vadym Stolar, of banned pro-Russian party OPZZh, resettling on the French Riviera. Pravda previously tracked him down to Saint-Jean, where he was thought to be renting a property from Russian banker Boris Davletyarov. Nice-Matin has previously spotted his SUV at the entrance to the village – while Pravda has seen him jogging there, accompanied by senior Ukrainian police. At his peak, Yuriy Ivanyushchenko was considered the second-most powerful person in Ukraine after the president, as per Ukrainian magazine Korrespondent in 2011. The magnate, also known as Yura Yenakiyevsky, made his money in coal, agriculture, alcohol, grain and as once owner of an enormous wholesale bazaar in Odessa, Ukraine. He was known as the so-called 'grey cardinal' of ex-Ukrainian leader, pro-Russian Viktor Yanukovych, working as an MP, from 2007.  Ukrainian courts froze around £54.3million of his funds in Switzerland, while a Latvian court confiscated £22.6million from his accounts in 2020. Switzerland separately opened confiscation proceedings in 2022 over more than £93.1million of his assets. Yulia Lyovochkina was a sitting MP when she fled Ukraine for her luxury villa in Saint-Jean, arriving in a luxury sedan to collect a coveted temporary protection permit. While hundreds of Ukrainian people scrambled for days to obtain the coveted documentation, Nice-Matin reported a Parisian lawyer secured an immediate VIP appointment for her. In 2022, the outlet reported the politician is rarely seen leaving her property in Saint-Jean, except to circle the Billionaire's Peninsula on jogs, flanked by a bodyguard. Viktor Pintchouk appears different to many of his fellow members of the Monaco Battalion, facing no allegations of money laundering, corruption or Russian sympathising. But regardless, the steel and media magnate still fled to the French Riviera at the start of the war, causing him to appear on the Ukrainian secret service's Monegasque list. A Ukrainian oligarchy expert previously told Nice-Matin: 'He's just a man who was afraid of the war and sought refuge with his family.' He retreated to a sumptuous beachfront property in Saint-Jean where he has supported the Ukraine war effort, supplying the army with equipment from his industrial interests. No comments have so far been submitted. Why not be the first to send us your thoughts, or debate this issue live on our message boards. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. 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