Suspected Bomber's Body Discovered in Ukraine
A woman suspected of orchestrating a parcel bombing in Monaco, which injured a Ukrainian multi-millionaire and his family, has been found dead in Ukraine, according to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, was the subject of an international manhunt after allegedly planting the explosive device in an apartment building in Monaco on June 29. Her body, discovered in a forest in the Kyiv region, bore gunshot wounds, as reported by the SBU and Ukraine's prosecutor general.
Investigation and Arrests
Following Berezovska's death, two individuals, including a current officer in Ukraine's military intelligence, have been charged with her murder. The SBU revealed that Berezovska returned to Ukraine on July 1, two days after the Monaco incident. Law enforcement authorities claim she was met by two suspects in a car on a highway in the Kyiv region, after which she was allegedly killed.
The investigation indicates that Berezovska had been communicating with two men—a former law enforcement officer and a current military intelligence officer—upon her arrival in Ukraine. These men allegedly transferred funds to Berezovska's bank and cryptocurrency accounts multiple times. The intelligence officer reportedly admitted to Berezovska's murder, implicating another suspect in the crime. Both men have been charged with "intentional murder committed by prior conspiracy by a group of persons."
Search Reveals Potential Evidence
Authorities discovered a basement room resembling a "torture chamber" during a search of the former law enforcement officer's residence. However, Ukraine's prosecutor general stated that there is no evidence linking the room to Berezovska's case, describing it instead as indicative of the suspect's profile. A video released by the prosecutor’s office showed a mat with apparent blood spots, along with axes, a pickaxe, and other items.
Monaco Attack Details
Monaco's deputy prosecutor, Morgan Raymond, indicated that Berezovska had scouted the location and disguised herself as a man during the attack. The explosion, which occurred around 21:00 local time, injured three individuals, two seriously. Berezovska allegedly fled Monaco in a rental car, traveling through Italy and Germany. German authorities later conducted a search in an apartment linked to a Ukrainian woman on the run.
Interpol issued a red alert for Berezovska, identifying her as a fugitive wanted for attempted murder and other charges related to the Monaco attack. Ukrainian officials have been cooperating with Monaco authorities, sharing all pertinent information and working to identify additional suspects.
Victims' Background
While Monaco officials have not released the identities of the bombing victims, local reports suggest that the targets included Vadym Yermolaiev, a real estate developer, his partner, and his 13-year-old son. Yermolaiev, a Cypriot citizen with substantial business interests in Crimea, has been under Ukrainian sanctions since 2023.
Source: Original Article
