Anastasiia Berezovska, the 39-year-old Ukrainian national wanted by Interpol for a bomb attack on oligarch Vadim Ermolaev in Monaco, has reportedly been found shot dead near Kyiv, according to Ukrainian media. Two individuals, including a serving officer with the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine's Ministry of Defence and a former law enforcement officer, have been detained in connection with her death, as reported by Ukrainian outlet Pravda citing sources.
Background of the Attack
On June 30, a parcel bomb detonated at the entrance of an apartment block on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla in Monaco at approximately 9pm local time. The explosion severely injured Vadim Ermolaev, 58, his partner, and his son, who all required hospital treatment. CCTV footage captured the victims returning home before the blast, and the suspect was seen waiting in the area and then escaping on foot toward the French town of Beausoleil.
Initially, investigators believed the suspect was male but later determined it was a disguise. Interpol issued a Red Notice for Berezovska, describing her as Ukrainian-born, fluent in German, and most recently living in Germany. The notice noted she had dark hair and a tattoo, possibly of a serpent, on her right arm from shoulder to elbow. She was wanted for attempted murder, detonating an explosive device in a public place with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy.
Manhunt and Discovery
German police raided the rented accommodation and vehicle of a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman on Friday, seizing evidence to be handed over to Monaco authorities. They confirmed the woman was still on the run. Monaco's deputy prosecutor Morgan Raymond stated that the sophistication of the explosive device and the modus operandi suggested the suspect did not act alone, and two men were initially detained in Monaco but released due to lack of evidence.
A law enforcement source described Berezovska as armed and dangerous. The discovery of her body near Kyiv marks a dramatic turn, though details of the shooting remain under investigation.
Official Reactions
Monaco's minister of state, Christophe Mirmand, emphasized that the family was specifically targeted, based on CCTV showing the suspect walking around the area several times while waiting for the victims. He noted that the explosion occurred as the victims crossed the threshold of their apartment building.
