The explosion that shook a luxury apartment block in Monaco on 29 June left a Ukrainian multi-millionaire and his partner fighting for their lives, and triggered an international manhunt for a suspect who disguised herself as a man. The attack, which prosecutors believe was deliberately targeted, has drawn attention to the vulnerability of high-profile individuals even in one of the world's most secure microstates.
At around 9pm local time, a package left in the entrance hall of a residential building in the La Rousse district detonated remotely just as three people entered. The victims were 58-year-old Vadym Yermolaiev, a wealthy real estate developer from Ukraine who lives in Monaco, his 46-year-old partner Anna Nasobina, and his 13-year-old son. All three were seriously injured. Nasobina required the amputation of both legs. Yermolaiev was reported to be in a critical condition but later said to be out of danger. The boy was admitted to hospital but not critically hurt.
“The Monaco bomb attack that injured a Ukrainian billionaire and the manhunt for the suspect, explained.”
Authorities quickly identified the main suspect as Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman. Interpol issued a Red Notice for her arrest on suspicion of attempted murder, placing an explosive device on a public road with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy. Deputy prosecutor Morgan Raymond said the suspect had spent days casing the residence. CCTV footage showed her wearing a dark bucket hat and carrying a package. She fled on foot towards the French town of Beausoleil, then drove a hire car to Italy and on to Germany, where she had a registered residence in the Main-Taunus district.
German police searched her rented apartment and seized a vehicle she had used. Investigators believe Berezovska may not have acted alone. The prosecutor said there were likely accomplices. Berezovska is described as speaking German and having a tattoo, possibly of a snake, on her right arm. Ukrainian sources suggest she may also hold a Russian passport and have ties to organised crime. She is reportedly pro-Vladimir Putin.
For UK readers, the attack is a stark reminder that even the ultra-wealthy are not immune to targeted violence, and that Monaco, often seen as a safe haven, can be penetrated. The involvement of Interpol and German police underscores the cross-border nature of such crimes. While there is no suggestion the suspect is in the UK, British authorities could assist if she travels further.
Q: Who is Anastasiia Berezovska? A 39-year-old Ukrainian woman suspected of planting the bomb. She has a snake tattoo on her right arm, speaks German, and may hold multiple passports including Russian. Described as pro-Putin and connected to organised crime, she is considered armed and dangerous.
Q: What happened in the Monaco bomb attack? A package filled with nuts and bolts was left in the lobby of a luxury apartment building and detonated remotely. Three people were injured, including Ukrainian billionaire Vadym Yermolaiev. The suspect disguised herself as a man and fled via Italy to Germany.
Q: What is an Interpol Red Notice? It is a request to 196 member countries to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition. It is not an arrest warrant but a tool for international police cooperation.
What happens next is uncertain. Berezovska's whereabouts are unknown, though some reports suggest she may have reached the Balkans. Police in Germany have seized evidence but she remains at large. The investigation continues, with Monaco and French authorities working together. The attack has shaken Monaco's reputation as a crime-free enclave and highlights the global reach of organised crime.