Ukrainian woman suspected in Monaco bombing found dead

Ukrainian woman suspected in Monaco bombing found dead

Intelligence officer confessed to killing Anastasiia Berezovska, Ukraine security service says

Ukraine's Security Service on Tuesday said it found the body of Ukrainian national Anastasiia Berezovska, who is wanted by authorities in Monaco in connection with the bombing targeting Ukrainian business tycoon Vadym Yermolaiev.

The security service, also known by its local abbreviation SBU, said an officer serving in Ukraine's military intelligence agency confessed to killing Berezovska with the help of a former law enforcement officer. He claimed he acted on his own initiative and without informing his superiors, a statement from the SBU said.

Ukrainska Pravda reported that Berezovska was killed near Kyiv, though the specific location and circumstances weren't immediately clear.

The SBU said investigators had focused on the two men after discovering they had repeatedly transferred cryptocurrency and other money through bank accounts to Berezovska. During searches, authorities also found what the SBU described as a basement resembling a torture chamber at the former law enforcement officer's home.

Investigators found Berezovska's body during a reconstruction of the crime based on one suspect's testimony. She had gunshot wounds to the head, and investigators recovered spent pistol casings at the scene, the SBU said.

Both men have been detained on suspicion of premeditated murder.

The SBU said it had shared all available information with Monaco's investigators and was continuing to identify those who ordered and organized the attempted killing in Monaco.

Suspected target, 2 others injured

The June 29 attack shocked Monaco, a coastal playground for the rich and famous known for its tax-friendly incentives, royal family and Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Monaco's head of state, Prince Albert II, described the blast as "an odious act" and said all public services were mobilized to ensure security.

Later in the week, investigators said they had identified a rented vehicle fitted with German licence plates used by Berezovska in Monaco. Her route after the blast was traced, from France into Italy and then across several European countries to her country of residence.

Interpol had issued a red notice, seeking Berezovska on charges of attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public place with criminal intent and criminal conspiracy.

The international police organization said on Tuesday it had no immediate comment and that the red notice on its website would remain until Monaco asked for its removal.

Ukrainian-born oligarch with Russian ties reportedly injured in Monaco explosion

Ukraine claims credit for Moscow bombing that killed Russian general

Yermolaiev, a construction tycoon, was given Cypriot nationality in 2019 and was placed under Ukrainian sanctions in 2023. Ukrainian media reported this was for doing business in Russian-occupied Crimea

Yermolaiev was one of three people injured, with the others believed to be his female partner and his young son.