Monaco Says Ukrainian Woman Main Suspect In Bombing

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief

MONTE CARLO, MONACO (Worthy News) – Authorities say the main suspect in a Monaco bomb attack this week that seriously injured a Ukraine-born business tycoon, his partner, and their 13-year-old son is a Ukrainian woman living in Germany who disguised herself as a man.

The international police organization Interpol on Friday issued a Red Notice for 39-year-old Anastasiia Berezovska, describing her as German-speaking with dark hair and a tattoo, possibly of a snake, on her right arm from the shoulder to the elbow.

Police and judicial sources said the victims were Vadym Iermolaiev, 58, a wealthy businessman originally from Ukraine who is now a Cypriot national, his partner, and their 13-year-old son.

Authorities said Berezovska is wanted in Monaco on suspicion of attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public place with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy.

GERMAN SEARCH CONTINUES

German police confirmed they searched the rented apartment and vehicle of a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman, saying evidence had been seized and handed over to Monaco authorities. However, they said the suspect remains at large.

Monaco Deputy Prosecutor Morgan Raymond said investigators believe the sophistication of the explosive device suggests the suspect likely did not act alone, although no accomplices have been identified. Two people detained earlier in the investigation were released due to insufficient evidence.

Investigators say the suspect left a package containing the bomb in the entrance hall of an apartment building near Monaco’s border with France before detonating it remotely as the family entered the building Monday evening. She then allegedly fled on foot into France before escaping in a rental car registered in Germany.

The 13-year-old boy suffered non-life-threatening injuries, while the two adults were hospitalized in Nice with severe wounds. Doctors later said the businessman was no longer in life-threatening condition, though his partner remained in critical condition.

PRINCE CONDEMNS ATTACK

Prince Albert II condemned the bombing as “an odious act,” saying all public services had been mobilized as Monaco investigates one of the most serious violent attacks in the principality’s recent history. Such bomb attacks are exceptionally rare in the tiny Mediterranean state, which is known for its luxury residences, casinos, and tight security. The blast shattered windows and ripped through the entrance of the residential building near Monaco’s border with France.

Iermolaiev has lived in Monaco for several years and has been under Ukrainian sanctions since late 2023 over alleged business activities in Russian-occupied Crimea.

He has denied the allegations, saying Russia seized his Crimean businesses after its 2014 annexation of the peninsula and insisting he opposed Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

He also said a Russian missile strike destroyed his private jet in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

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