Woman Suspected of Monaco Bomb Attack Found Dead in Ukraine
Samael.lol – Ukraine’s security service (SBU) confirmed the discovery of Anastasiia Berezovska’s body in the country, marking a significant development in the investigation into the June 29 parcel bombing that injured a prominent Ukrainian figure and his family. The 39-year-old woman, who had been on the run since the attack, was identified as the prime suspect in the incident, which occurred in the entrance hall of an apartment building in Monaco. Interpol had issued a red notice earlier, prompting global law enforcement agencies to search for her and assist in her arrest.
Manhunt and Fugitive Status
Berezovska was believed to have fled the wealthy city-state after planting the bomb, which detonated during the evening hours. The SBU stated that she arrived in Ukraine just two days after the attack, on July 1, and was in contact with her family as well as two men connected to her case. One of these men was a former law enforcement officer, while the other worked in the Ministry of Defence (MoD)’s main intelligence directorate. The two were under suspicion for aiding her in the Monaco attack, based on evidence of financial transactions to her accounts.
“The suspects repeatedly transferred funds to Berezovska’s crypto and bank accounts,” the SBU noted. “This led to the investigation of their potential involvement in the attack.”
During the search of the former officer’s home, authorities uncovered a basement room that bore striking similarities to a torture chamber, according to the SBU. This finding raised questions about the premeditation behind the crime. Both detainees were charged with participating in the attack as part of a coordinated effort. The intelligence directorate’s head, Oleg Ivashchenko, is assisting in the ongoing investigation, which aims to uncover further details about the operation.
Attack Details and Victims
The Monaco bombing targeted the residence of Vadym Yermolaiev, a real estate developer and multi-millionaire. His partner and 13-year-old son were among those injured, with two individuals suffering serious wounds. The package exploded as the family entered the building shortly after 21:00 local time (19:00 GMT). Berezovska was reportedly disguised as a man during the attack, a detail highlighted by Monaco’s deputy prosecutor Morgan Raymond. “She had spent days casing the residence,” Raymond stated, “and executed the attack under a false identity.”
“Berezovska was disguised as a man during the attack last Monday,” said Morgan Raymond. “This suggests she meticulously planned her approach to avoid detection.”
Following the incident, Ukrainian authorities shared all available information with their Monaco counterparts, with the prosecutor general engaging in close cooperation. The SBU also mentioned efforts to identify additional suspects in the attack. A police statement included a CCTV image of Berezovska, noting a distinctive tattoo on her arm that possibly symbolized a snake—a detail that could provide clues about her motives or affiliations.
Background of the Victims and Suspect
Vadym Yermolaiev, the injured individual, was listed as the 39th richest Ukrainian by Forbes magazine in 2020, with an estimated fortune of $230 million. His business interests span wine and alcohol production in Crimea, a region Russia annexed in 2014. Yermolaiev, who renounced his Ukrainian citizenship in 2019, is a Cypriot citizen and has faced sanctions from Kyiv’s government since 2023 for his activities in the region. The attack on his family appears to be a targeted strike, potentially linked to his financial ties and political status.
Berezovska’s flight path after the bombing was traced to Italy and then Germany, where she was temporarily housed in an apartment in Hesse. Special forces searched this location on Thursday, uncovering evidence of her presence. The SBU emphasized that her movements were closely monitored, with law enforcement sources indicating her connection to the attack. The discovery of her body in Ukraine has shifted the focus of the investigation to her possible role in orchestrating the attack from abroad.
International Collaboration and Ongoing Investigation
The case underscores the collaboration between Ukraine and international law enforcement bodies. Interpol’s red notice, issued on Friday, highlighted the seriousness of the situation, labeling Berezovska as a fugitive wanted for attempted murder, criminal conspiracy, and placing an explosive device on a public road with intent. The SBU’s statement also reiterated its commitment to sharing intelligence with Monaco, ensuring a unified effort to track down those involved.
While the victims’ identities were not officially confirmed by Monaco authorities, local media reported that Yermolaiev, his partner, and his son were the targets. The attack’s timing and location suggest a deliberate effort to strike at a high-profile figure, possibly as retaliation or to send a message. Berezovska’s role in the operation, including her ability to blend into the local population, highlights the sophistication of the plot.
The SBU continues to investigate the attack, with the intelligence directorate playing a central role. The agency has also detained two individuals linked to Berezovska’s murder, one of whom confessed to the act with another suspect. This development has intensified the search for additional accomplices, as the investigation delves deeper into the networks involved. Authorities in Ukraine and Monaco remain focused on uncovering the full extent of the crime and bringing those responsible to justice.
Berezovska’s death has not only resolved one part of the mystery but also raised new questions about her motivations and the support she received. The presence of a former law enforcement officer and a MoD intelligence official among her associates suggests a possible connection to state-sponsored activities or organized crime. As the investigation unfolds, the SBU’s coordination with international partners will be crucial in piecing together the events leading to the attack and its aftermath.
With the suspect’s body found and the broader network under scrutiny, the case remains a focal point for law enforcement. The details surrounding Berezovska’s escape, her financial transactions, and the discovery of the torture-like basement room indicate a well-planned operation. As the SBU continues its probe, the international community watches closely, aware of the potential implications for cross-border security and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
