A woman suspected of planting a backpack bomb that critically injured a Ukrainian oligarch in Monaco has reportedly been found shot dead near Kyiv, bringing a dramatic twist to an international manhunt that spanned multiple countries. The case highlights the shadowy world of oligarchs, European organised crime, and the complexities of international police cooperation.
On June 30, 2026, a parcel bomb exploded outside an apartment block on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla in Monaco’s La Rousse district. The blast seriously injured Ukrainian-born billionaire Vadim Ermolaev, 58; his partner, Anna Nasobina, 46; and her 13-year-old son. CCTV showed the three victims returning home at around 9pm local time when they were caught in the explosion. Nasobina later required both legs amputated, and Ermolaev remained in critical condition. The bomb was packed with nuts and bolts and detonated by remote control, leading prosecutors to describe the device as “relatively sophisticated.”
“Explains the Monaco bomb attack targeting a Ukrainian oligarch, the suspect's death, and its wider implications.”
Interpol identified the suspect as Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman. She was seen on CCTV wearing a black hat, tracksuit, white jeans, and trainers, initially leading police to believe the suspect was a man; they later concluded she was disguised. An Interpol Red Notice was issued on July 3, charging her with attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public place, and criminal conspiracy. Authorities believed she fled the scene on foot, then drove to Germany, where German police searched her rented flat and car, seizing evidence. Monaco deputy prosecutor Morgan Raymond said the sophistication of the device suggested she did not act alone; two men were arrested in Monaco but later released for lack of evidence.
On July 6, Ukrainian outlet Pravda reported that Berezovska’s body was found in Kyiv at around 11pm, shot dead. Two suspects have been detained: a current officer of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence and a former law enforcement officer. The motive for her killing is unknown. Berezovska was described as having dark hair and a large snake tattoo on her right arm from shoulder to elbow. Sources also claimed she was pro-Vladimir Putin, had ties to organised crime, and may have held multiple passports: Ukrainian, Russian, and possibly Kazakhstani. She reportedly left Ukraine in March 2025 and returned on July 1, 2026, one day after the attack.
For UK readers, this case underscores how European police forces must collaborate across borders to tackle sophisticated criminal networks. Monaco, a wealthy principality known for its luxury, is a hub for international finance and high-profile individuals, making it a potential target for such attacks. The involvement of an Interpol Red Notice and German police cooperation shows the mechanisms used to pursue suspects across Europe. The alleged ties to Russian organised crime and Ukrainian intelligence also reflect the geopolitical tensions that can spill into violent incidents, with implications for UK authorities monitoring similar threats.
Q: Who is Anastasiia Berezovska? Anastasiia Berezovska is a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman wanted by Interpol for the attempted murder of oligarch Vadim Ermolaev in Monaco. She had Ukrainian nationality, spoke German, and was described as having a snake tattoo on her right arm. Sources also claim she held a Russian passport, lived in occupied Crimea, and was pro-Putin with ties to organised crime.
Q: How did the Monaco bomb attack happen? A backpack containing explosives filled with nuts and bolts was planted outside an apartment building in Monaco’s La Rousse district. The suspect used a remote control to detonate the bomb at around 9pm on June 30, 2026, catching Ermolaev, his partner, and her son as they entered the building. Prosecutors described the device as relatively sophisticated and believe the suspect had accomplices.
Q: What is an Interpol Red Notice? An Interpol Red Notice is a request to law enforcement worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition, surrender, or similar legal action. It is not an arrest warrant but a tool for international police cooperation. In this case, a Red Notice was issued for Berezovska on July 3, 2026, for attempted murder, placing an explosive device, and criminal conspiracy.
What happens next depends on the investigation into Berezovska’s death. Ukrainian authorities have detained two suspects, a current GUR officer and a former law enforcement officer, and will likely pursue murder charges. Meanwhile, Monaco’s investigation into the bombing continues, with prosecutors still seeking possible accomplices. The case may further strain relations between Ukraine and Russia, given Berezovska’s alleged pro-Putin sympathies and the involvement of Ukrainian intelligence officials.