Interpol names Ukrainian woman as suspect in Monaco bombing
Authorities have identified Anastasiia Berezovska as the primary suspect in a targeted bombing in Monaco that left three individuals seriously injured. Interpol is leading an international search for the suspect, who allegedly disguised herself as a man to carry out the attack.
International authorities have identified a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman as the primary suspect in a targeted bombing that occurred in Monaco earlier this week. The investigation, which took a dramatic turn after initial assessments misidentified the perpetrator, has now resulted in an Interpol Red Notice issued for the arrest of Anastasiia Berezovska.
The incident took place on Monday, 29 June 2026, around 21:00 local time at the entrance of a residential building. An explosive device, detonated via a remote control, caused serious injuries to three people. According to reports from the BBC, the victims were a 58-year-old multimillionaire real estate developer, his partner, and their 13-year-old son. Monaco's Prince Albert II publicly condemned the event, labeling it an odious act
and confirming the mobilization of all public security services.
Media additions
From Male Suspect to Targeted Woman
The investigation faced a significant hurdle in its early stages. Relying on surveillance footage from the scene, investigators initially believed the perpetrator was a heavily built man wearing a dark long-sleeved top, light-colored shorts, and a black bucket hat. However, as Yahoo News reported, a comprehensive review of CCTV footage from the days preceding the attack, combined with witness testimony, led authorities to conclude the suspect had disguised herself as a man.
Monaco Deputy Prosecutor Morgan Raymond detailed during a Friday press conference that Berezovska allegedly conducted multiple reconnaissance visits to the site on 26 June and 27 June. She was observed wearing the same clothing used during the actual bombing and carrying a tote bag that presumably contained the explosive device. Prosecutors allege that after placing the bomb at the entrance, she confirmed the arrival of the victims before triggering the remote detonator.
International Pursuit
Following the blast, the suspect reportedly fled the scene on foot before acquiring a rental car. Investigators successfully traced her movements from Monaco into southern France, then into Italy, and finally toward Germany. Monaco authorities have worked closely with German law enforcement, leading to a search of a rented apartment and a vehicle in the Main-Taunus district of Hesse on Thursday, 2 July 2026. According to DW, German authorities secured evidence at the scene and are coordinating with their counterparts in Monaco to transfer the findings. Berezovska remains at large.
The Red Notice issued by Interpol officially categorizes her as wanted for:
- Attempted murder
- Placing an explosive device in a public place with criminal intent
- Criminal conspiracy
Interpol’s public profile for Berezovska notes that she speaks German, has dark hair, and possesses a tattoo on her right arm—possibly depicting a snake—running from her shoulder to her elbow.
Potential Motives and Context
While official sources in Monaco have not confirmed the identities of the victims, the target is widely reported to be Vadym Yermolaiev. A Courthouse News report notes that Yermolaiev, a construction tycoon, renounced his Ukrainian citizenship years ago and currently holds Cypriot nationality. In 2023, the Ukrainian government imposed sanctions on him due to allegations that he continued business operations in Russian-annexed Crimea and paid taxes to Moscow following the invasion of Ukraine.
The Associated Press highlighted that while Ukraine has been linked to targeted killings of Russian figures throughout the ongoing conflict, such operations typically occur within Ukrainian or Russian borders. Investigators in Monaco are actively probing whether Berezovska acted as part of a larger conspiracy. Prosecutor Raymond noted that the relative sophistication of the explosive device and the modus operandi
strongly suggest that the suspect did not act alone.
Current Status and Next Steps
Two men initially detained in connection with the investigation have since been released after authorities determined there was no evidence of active involvement. The remains of the bomb are undergoing forensic analysis in France.
| Action | Status |
|---|---|
| Arrest of suspect | Ongoing international search |
| Forensic analysis | Device components under review in France |
| Judicial cooperation | Evidence from Germany pending transfer to Monaco |
| Suspect accomplices | Under active investigation |
