This week, Germany charged a man linked to Ukraine’s security service with sabotaging the Nord Stream gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea. According to German authorities, the Ukrainian state was behind the attack. Now Interpol is seeking a Ukrainian woman suspected of the bombing targeting a Ukrainian businessman and his family in Monaco. The businessman was under Ukrainian sanctions.
Recent weeks have seen events with Ukrainian connections surfacing in several European countries outside of Ukraine, ranging from drone incidents in Finland and the Baltics to court cases in Germany related to the Nord Stream sabotage, and now, most recently, a bombing in Monaco with a Ukrainian suspect.
The small principality of Monaco on the Mediterranean was shaken by a bombing on Monday evening. Initially, the explosion sparked fears that the exclusive city-state, famous for its high concentration of wealthy residents, luxury cars, and yachts, had fallen victim to a terrorist attack.
But the investigation soon took a different turn. Authorities said the attack was targeted at a wealthy Ukrainian businessman living in Monaco, and suspicion fell on a Ukrainian woman who is now wanted internationally.
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Interpol has now issued an international warrant for the 39-year-old Ukrainian citizen Anastasiia Berezovska, suspected of orchestrating the Monaco bombing earlier this week.
Family Injured
The bombing occurred at the entrance to an exclusive apartment building in Monaco. Three members of the same family were injured—a man, a woman, and a child. One of the victims is still being treated for life-threatening injuries.
Authorities have not officially confirmed their identities, but several international media report that the Ukrainian-born businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, who was previously sanctioned by Ukraine over alleged business ties to Russia, was among the victims.
Berezovska is wanted through a so-called red notice, an international request to locate and arrest a suspect pending extradition. She is suspected of attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public place with criminal intent, and participation in a criminal conspiracy.
Woman Disguised as a Man
The investigation took an unexpected turn after the first few days. Initially, police believed the perpetrator to be a heavily built man seen on surveillance footage, wearing a dark sweater, light shorts, and a black bucket hat.
After a more comprehensive review of security footage and new witness statements, investigators concluded that the perpetrator was, in fact, a woman disguised as a man.
According to Interpol, Berezovska has dark hair, speaks German, and has a large tattoo—possibly a snake—along her right upper arm. In photos published by Interpol, she is seen holding what appears to be an electronic device with a wire.
Bomb Detonated by Remote Control
Monaco’s deputy chief prosecutor reports that the bomb was detonated remotely. The remains of the device are being analyzed by French forensic experts to determine its construction.
Investigators believe the technical design suggests more individuals may have been involved, and they are probing possible accomplices and who might have ordered the attack.
According to the prosecutor, the suspect first fled to France and then continued through Italy in a rental car with German plates. She was later reportedly seen in Germany, where the search is now ongoing.
Ukraine Had Sanctions Against Businessman
Businessman Vadym Yermolaiev was born in Dnipro, Ukraine, and built his fortune through Alef Group, operating in real estate development, agriculture, and alcohol production. He later became a Cypriot citizen and renounced his Ukrainian citizenship. For several years, he has lived in Monaco.
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In 2023, Ukraine imposed personal sanctions on Yermolaiev. According to Ukraine’s security service, companies linked to him continued operations on Russian-occupied Crimea and paid taxes to the Russian state. Sanctions included freezing of his assets and a ban on conducting business in Ukraine.
Yermolaiev has denied the allegations, stating that Russia seized his assets in Crimea after the 2014 annexation. He also claims to have supported Ukraine’s defense since the Russian invasion began.
The bombing has shaken Monaco, where violent crimes of this sort are extremely rare. Prince Albert II described the attack as “a despicable act” and said all available resources have been deployed to assist the investigation and bolster security while the search for the suspect continues.
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