Authorities are actively searching for a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman, identified as Anastasiia Berezovska, in connection with a bombing incident in Monaco. An Interpol Red Notice has been issued, detailing charges of attempted murder, placing an explosive device with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy. The incident occurred on Monday, shaking the affluent principality.
Suspect on the Run After German Apartment Search
German law enforcement conducted a search of Berezovska’s rented apartment in the Frankfurt area on Thursday. Officials confirmed that the suspect is currently at large. Evidence gathered during the search is slated to be transferred to Monaco’s judicial authorities. Monaco’s deputy public prosecutor, Morgan Raymond, indicated that the suspect’s last known address was in Germany. He also stated that Berezovska is believed to have fled the area by traveling through France and then Italy in a rental car.
Investigation Suggests Possible Accomplices and Deception
The circumstances surrounding the bombing suggest that the suspect may not have acted alone, according to Deputy Public Prosecutor Raymond. He further revealed that the individual was a woman who had been disguising herself as a man. Initial surveillance footage led investigators to believe the perpetrator was male, partly due to the suspect being captured on CCTV wearing a black fisherman’s hat. However, a subsequent review of surveillance footage, combined with testimony from an individual who interacted with the suspect, prompted investigators to focus on Berezovska. It is alleged that she conducted multiple reconnaissance visits in the days leading up to the explosion.
Monaco Rocked by “Heinous Crime”
The bombing has sent ripples of shock through Monaco, a microstate renowned for its security and as a destination for the global elite. Prince Albert II has condemned the attack, labeling it a “heinous crime.” While Monaco authorities have not officially confirmed the identities of the victims, multiple sources indicate that the attack was directed at Vadym Yermolaiev, a 58-year-old wealthy businessman and Cypriot national originally from Ukraine. His partner and his 13-year-old son are also reported to have been victims of the blast.
Details of the Explosion and Suspect Description
The incident unfolded on Monday evening when an individual reportedly left a package in the entrance hall of a small apartment building situated near the French border. Shortly after, an explosive device detonated in the hall as three residents – a couple and a child – were entering the premises. The suspect, described as a woman with dark, shoulder-length hair, appears in photographs released by Interpol. The Interpol notice specifies that she has a tattoo on her right arm, possibly depicting a snake, and that she is capable of speaking German.
Victims’ Conditions and Background of Target
The couple involved in the incident sustained severe injuries. Initial reports described the man as suffering from serious burns, while the woman was in critical condition. The child was taken to the Lenval children’s hospital in Nice and was reported to be in non-critical condition. Both adults were transported to Nice University Hospital, with their lives initially considered to be in danger. By Wednesday, the man’s condition had improved, though the woman’s remained unstable.
Vadym Yermolaiev, a resident of Monaco since at least 2021, has faced sanctions in Ukraine since December 2023 due to his business dealings in Crimea. In 2021, Forbes Ukraine estimated his net worth at $220 million, placing him among Ukraine’s wealthiest individuals. Sources have suggested that Yermolaiev, a construction magnate who amassed his fortune in Dnipro, had a significant number of adversaries.
Family Ties and Previous Fraud Convictions
Further complicating the investigation, Yermolaiev’s 35-year-old son, Artur Yermolaiev, is also believed to have a long list of enemies. Estonian authorities have linked him to phone scams dating back to at least 2017. Earlier this year, he pleaded guilty in Estonia to operating a fraudulent investment phone scam from Ukraine. This operation reportedly defrauded individuals of approximately 100 million euros between 2019 and 2022.
Conclusion
The investigation into the Monaco bombing is ongoing, with international cooperation between German and Monégasque authorities. The focus remains on locating Anastasiia Berezovska, while also exploring the possibility of accomplices and the complex business and personal histories of the individuals involved.
