Investigation Underway After Monaco Bombing Suspect Found Dead
Anastasiia Berezovska, a Ukrainian woman identified as the primary suspect in a parcel bombing in Monaco, has been discovered deceased in Ukraine. Ukrainian security services (SBU) confirmed her death, stating she sustained gunshot wounds to the head. This development follows an international search for Berezovska after the June 29 attack, which injured a sanctioned Ukrainian multi-millionaire and his family.
Detentions and Confessions
Two individuals have been apprehended in connection with Berezovska's death, including a serving officer from Ukraine's Ministry of Defence (MoD). The SBU reported that Berezovska entered Ukraine on July 1, two days after the Monaco incident. During her time in Ukraine, she reportedly communicated with family and two men – a former law enforcement officer and the aforementioned MoD officer.
These two men were initially investigated for potential involvement in the Monaco attack, based on information indicating they had frequently transferred funds to Berezovska's crypto and bank accounts. The intelligence officer has since confessed to Berezovska's murder, implicating a second suspect. Both have been detained on suspicion of premeditated murder by a group.
The head of the intelligence directorate, Oleg Ivashchenko, is providing personal assistance to the ongoing investigation.
Disturbing Discovery in Kyiv Region
During a search of the former law enforcement officer's residence in the Kyiv region, authorities uncovered a basement room described as 'resembling a torture chamber.' A video released by Ukraine's prosecutor general shows a pink mat with what appears to be bloodstains, along with two axes, a pickaxe, a tarpaulin, and a large bag.
Details of the Monaco Attack
Monaco's deputy prosecutor, Morgan Raymond, stated that Berezovska had spent several days observing the residence prior to the attack. She was reportedly disguised as a man when she planted the bomb in the apartment building's entrance. The explosion, occurring shortly after 9:00 PM local time, injured three people, with two sustaining serious injuries.
Following the attack, Berezovska was believed to have fled to Italy in a rented vehicle and then to Germany. German special forces had previously searched an apartment in Hesse rented by a Ukrainian woman matching Berezovska's description. Interpol had issued a red notice for her arrest on charges including attempted murder and placing an explosive device.
While Monaco authorities have not officially named the victims, local media identified them as Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner, and his 13-year-old son. Yermolaiev, a real estate developer and former Ukrainian citizen now holding Cypriot citizenship, was listed among Ukraine's wealthiest individuals in 2020. He has been subject to Ukrainian sanctions since 2023 due to his business interests in Crimea.
The SBU confirmed that Ukrainian authorities are cooperating closely with Monaco officials and sharing all relevant information as the investigation progresses to identify any other individuals involved in the attack.
Source: Original Article