Ukrainian woman named by Interpol as main suspect in Monaco bomb attack

New Delhi, India Jul 3, 2026 ALN: A Ukrainian woman has been identified as the main suspect for a parcel bombing in Monaco that seriously wounded a sanctioned Ukrainian multi-millionaire and two others.

An Interpol Red Notice has been issued for Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, who speaks German and is wanted for attempted murder, placing an explosive device on a public road with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy. The issuance of an Interpol Red Notice indicates that authorities are seeking the assistance of international law enforcement agencies in locating and apprehending Berezovska, who is alleged to have committed a serious crime with international implications.

Police are looking into identifying any possible accomplices as they continue to search for the named suspect. The investigation is in its early stages, and authorities are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the bombing. The complexities of such cases often involve cross-border cooperation among various law enforcement agencies, especially given the potential international ramifications of the crime.

Just before 21:00 (19:00 GMT) on Monday, an individual left a package in the entrance hall of a small apartment building, followed by an explosion shortly afterwards. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the package was left unattended, raising concerns about security measures in public spaces. The explosion occurred just as three residents were entering the building: a couple and their 13-year-old child. This timing has raised alarms about the intentions behind the attack, as it could have resulted in even more severe injuries or fatalities.

The suspect, pictured on CCTV cameras wearing a dark bucket hat, was then seen fleeing towards the French commune of Beausoleil. The use of CCTV footage is a crucial element in modern investigations, as it provides visual evidence that can help identify suspects and establish timelines. Authorities are likely analyzing additional footage from surrounding areas to gather more information about Berezovska's movements.

Interpol's photo of Berezovska shows a woman with dark shoulder-length hair, with the notice adding she has a tattoo on her right arm which is "possibly" depicting a snake. Tattoos can serve as identifying features, and investigators may be using this information to assist in locating her. The presence of a tattoo may also provide insight into her personal history or affiliations, which could be relevant to the investigation.

Monaco's prosecutor thanked police from Monaco and France for their cooperation, which made it possible "to identify, in a particularly short time, the person suspected of having carried out the attack." This cooperation highlights the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies, especially in a region where borders are relatively fluid, and criminal activities may cross national lines.

Meanwhile, in Germany, Hessian Police confirmed in a statement that special forces searched the rented apartment of a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman in the Main-Taunus district on Thursday. The urgency of the search operation underscores the seriousness of the situation and the potential threat posed by the suspect. A vehicle she used was also searched and seized. The seizure of a vehicle can provide critical evidence, including forensics that may link the suspect to the crime scene.

"Evidence has been secured and will be handed over to the Monegasque authorities. The Hessian security authorities are supporting the Monegasque authorities in their investigations and are in close contact with them," the statement said. This international collaboration is essential for effective law enforcement, especially in cases involving serious crimes that may have implications beyond national borders.

"The woman being sought is currently on the run. An international arrest warrant has been issued." The issuance of an international arrest warrant indicates that authorities are taking the threat seriously and are committed to bringing the suspect to justice. The term "on the run" implies that Berezovska may be evading capture, which could complicate efforts to apprehend her.

Prince Albert II of Monaco has described the incident as a "heinous crime." His statement reflects the gravity of the situation and the impact such violent acts have on community safety and public perception. The term "heinous" suggests that the attack was not only violent but also particularly egregious in nature, given the presence of a child among the victims.

The three victims, who included a 13-year-old, have been treated in hospital. The adults were seriously wounded and taken to the Nice University Hospital (CHU), while the child, who suffered minor injuries, was admitted in a non-critical condition to the Lenval children's hospital in Nice. The differing severity of injuries among the victims highlights the unpredictable nature of explosive devices and the potential for collateral damage in such attacks.

On Wednesday, the man was no longer in a life-or-death situation, but the woman's condition had not yet stabilized, AFP reported. The fluctuating health of the victims can significantly affect the investigation, as their testimonies may provide critical insights into the circumstances surrounding the bombing once they are stable enough to speak.

The victims' identities have not been confirmed by Monaco authorities, but according to local reports, the attack targeted Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner, and his son. This targeted nature of the attack raises questions about the motives behind it and whether it was a personal vendetta or part of a larger scheme involving organized crime or political motivations.

Yermolaiev, 58, is a wealthy real estate developer who has been living in Monaco. He is a Cypriot citizen after renouncing his Ukrainian citizenship in 2019. His background as a wealthy businessman may suggest that he has made enemies or has been involved in disputes that could lead to such violent acts. The decision to renounce citizenship can also indicate a desire to distance oneself from past affiliations or conflicts.

He has significant interests in the wine and alcohol business in Russian-annexed Crimea, and since 2023 has been the subject of sanctions imposed by the government in Kyiv. The sanctions against Yermolaiev highlight the complexities of international relations and the impact of geopolitical tensions on individual lives. His business interests may have placed him in a precarious position, especially in the context of ongoing conflicts involving Ukraine and Russia.

He was named the 39th richest Ukrainian by Forbes magazine in 2020, with a fortune of $230 million (£173.8 million). His wealth and status could make him a target for criminal enterprises looking to extort or eliminate individuals who may pose a threat to their interests. The attack on Yermolaiev may reflect broader issues related to organized crime, political motivations, and the volatile nature of business dealings in conflict zones.