Woman suspected of Monaco bomb attack found dead in Ukraine

New Delhi, India Jul 7, 2026 ALN: The woman suspected of carrying out a parcel bombing in Monaco which injured a sanctioned Ukrainian multi-millionaire and his family has been found dead, Ukraine's security service (SBU) has said.

A cross-border manhunt had been launched for Anastasiia Berezovska, a Ukrainian woman who officials believed had fled the wealthy city-state after planting the bomb in the entrance hall of an apartment building on 29 June.

The 39-year-old's body was found with gunshot wounds to the head, according to the SBU. This shocking development has raised numerous questions regarding the circumstances surrounding her death and the broader implications of her alleged actions.

Two people, including a current officer within Ukraine's Ministry of Defence (MoD), have been detained on suspicion of murder. The involvement of a government official in such a serious crime adds a layer of complexity to the case, raising concerns about corruption and the potential for collusion within state institutions.

Berezovska arrived in Ukraine two days after the attack on 1 July, the SBU said in its statement, citing law enforcement sources. Her return to Ukraine so soon after the bombing suggests a level of confidence or desperation that authorities are now investigating. There, she communicated with her family and two men - a former law enforcement officer and a current officer in the MoD's main intelligence directorate.

The two men were investigated as possible accomplices in the Monaco attack based on information that they "repeatedly transferred funds" to Berezovska's "crypto and bank accounts". This financial trail has become a focal point of the investigation, as authorities attempt to piece together the network that may have facilitated the bombing.

The intelligence officer subsequently confessed to Berezovska's murder and said he had done so with "another suspect", the agency said. This confession raises further questions about the motives behind her murder and whether it was a preemptive strike by her accomplices to eliminate a potential witness or liability.

The SBU reported: "During the search of the former law enforcement officer's home, a basement room resembling a torture chamber was found." This discovery has shocked investigators and the public alike, as it suggests a violent and possibly organized crime element to the case. The existence of such a facility raises concerns about the extent of criminal activities that may be occurring within Ukraine, particularly in relation to high-profile individuals.

Both suspects were detained on suspicion of committing murder with premeditation by a group of individuals. The implications of this case extend beyond the immediate tragedy, as it highlights issues of security, law enforcement integrity, and the potential for organized crime to infiltrate government institutions.

An investigation is ongoing with the "personal assistance" of the head of the intelligence directorate Oleg Ivashchenko. Such high-level involvement indicates the seriousness with which Ukrainian authorities are treating this case, as they seek to restore public confidence in their ability to manage security threats.

Monaco's deputy prosecutor Morgan Raymond said Berezovska had spent days casing out the residence and was "disguised as a man" during the attack last Monday. This level of planning and disguise indicates a premeditated effort to carry out the attack, suggesting that it was not an impulsive act but rather part of a calculated plan.

Three people were injured, two of them seriously, when a package exploded just as they entered the building shortly after 21:00 local time (19:00 GMT). The choice of timing and location for the bombing raises additional questions about the intended targets and the motivations behind the attack. The fact that it occurred in a high-profile area frequented by wealthy individuals suggests that the attack may have been aimed at sending a message or exerting influence.

Berezovska was believed to have fled in a hire car to Italy and onwards to Germany - where special forces searched an apartment rented by a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman "currently on the run" in the central state of Hesse on Thursday, police said. This flight across borders highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking suspects who may have access to significant resources and networks.

Interpol issued a red notice alerting police wide that she was a fugitive wanted for attempted murder, placing an explosive device on a public road with criminal intent and criminal conspiracy on Friday. The issuance of a red notice is a critical tool in international law enforcement, as it allows for the coordination of efforts to apprehend fugitives across borders.

The SBU said Ukrainian authorities had shared all available information with officials in Monaco, with whom its prosecutor general was in "close cooperation". This collaboration underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing transnational crime and ensuring that justice is served, particularly in cases involving high-profile individuals.

Law enforcement authorities were working to identify "other suspects" in the attack, it added. The ongoing investigation reflects a commitment to uncovering the full extent of the conspiracy and holding all responsible parties accountable.

Authorities in Monaco have not confirmed the victims' identities, but local media reported Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner, and his 13-year-old son had been targeted. This targeting of a family raises ethical questions about the nature of the attack and the motivations behind it, as innocent individuals were put in harm's way as a result of the alleged actions of Berezovska.

Yermolaiev, a real estate developer, was named the 39th richest Ukrainian by Forbes magazine in 2020 with a reported fortune of $230m (£173.8m). His wealth and status likely made him a target for those looking to settle scores or exert influence within the competitive of international business.

He has major interests in wine and alcohol in Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014, and has been the subject of sanctions imposed by the government in Kyiv since 2023. His ties to Crimea and the sanctions against him add a layer of geopolitical complexity to the situation, as it reflects the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia and the impact of these tensions on individuals and families.

He is a Cypriot citizen, having renounced his Ukrainian citizenship in 2019, and has been living in Monaco. This decision to renounce his citizenship may have been influenced by the political climate in Ukraine and the desire to distance himself from the ongoing conflict, but it also raises questions about loyalty and national identity in the face of such challenges.

The bombing incident in Monaco has not only resulted in physical injuries but has also opened up a broader discussion about the intersection of crime, politics, and international relations. As investigations continue, the implications of this case will likely reverberate across borders, affecting not only those directly involved but also the larger geopolitical landscape in which these events are unfolding.