MONACO – The hunt for the elusive Monaco bomb suspect, a Ukrainian woman identified as Anastasiia Berezovska, intensified this week following a devastating parcel attack that critically injured a sanctioned multi-millionaire, his partner, and their teenage son in the opulent city-state. Authorities revealed the 39-year-old was reportedly “disguised as a man” during the audacious incident, adding a bizarre twist to an already shocking case.
International Hunt for Monaco Bomb Suspect
Ms. Berezovska is believed to have left an explosive package in the entrance hall of a luxurious apartment building before making a swift escape. She fled on foot initially, then allegedly drove through Italy to Germany. The explosion, occurring just after 21:00 local time on Monday, left three residents severely wounded. The victims, widely reported to be wealthy real estate developer Vadym Yermolaiev, 58, his partner, and their 13-year-old son, were rushed to Nice hospitals. While the man’s condition has stabilized, the woman’s remains critical.
Interpol has issued a Red Notice for Berezovska, an urgent international alert for her arrest. She is wanted on grave charges including attempted murder and placing an explosive device on a public road with criminal intent. Investigators in Monaco are also actively pursuing leads regarding potential accomplices, as revealed by deputy prosecutor Morgan Raymond.
CCTV footage captured the suspect, reportedly wearing a dark bucket hat, at the scene. Photos released by Interpol depict a woman with dark, shoulder-length hair and a distinctive tattoo on her right arm, possibly a snake. The collaboration between Monegasque and French police has been pivotal in quickly identifying the individual suspected of carrying out this heinous crime, a testament to cross-border law enforcement.
German authorities, particularly in the state of Hesse, confirmed their involvement, conducting a search of Ms. Berezovska’s rented apartment in the Main-Taunus district on Thursday. A vehicle associated with her was also seized. “Evidence has been secured and will be handed over to the Monegasque authorities,” a statement from the Hessian security authorities read. “The woman being sought is currently on the run. An international arrest warrant has been issued.” This marks a significant escalation in the pursuit of the Monaco bomb suspect across European borders.
The alleged target, Vadym Yermolaiev, a Cypriot citizen who renounced his Ukrainian citizenship in 2019, is a figure of considerable wealth and controversy. He holds significant interests in the wine and alcohol industry in Russian-annexed Crimea and has faced sanctions from the Ukrainian government since 2023. Forbes magazine listed him among Ukraine’s richest in 2020, estimating his fortune at $230 million.
Prince Albert II of Monaco himself condemned the incident, describing it as a “heinous crime.” The concerted efforts of various police forces, supported by the international law enforcement agency, underscore the gravity of the attack and the determination to apprehend all those responsible for the brazen act of violence in the normally serene principality.
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