Law enforcement authorities have launched an international manhunt for a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman suspected of orchestrating a bombing that injured three people at an apartment building in Monaco earlier this week.
Anastasiia Berezovska has been identified as the primary suspect in Monday’s explosion, with international police issuing a Red Notice for her arrest on charges of attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public place with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy.
The attack occurred at the entrance of an apartment building in the Mediterranean principality, leaving three members of the same family wounded. One victim remains in life-threatening condition, while two additional bystanders sustained minor injuries in the blast, according to Monaco prosecutors.
While authorities have not officially confirmed the identities of the victims, multiple media outlets have reported that Ukrainian construction tycoon Vadym Yermolaiev was among those injured. Yermolaiev, who reportedly renounced his Ukrainian citizenship approximately ten years ago, was subject to Ukrainian sanctions in 2023 due to alleged connections with Russia. A woman and child were also injured in the attack.
Morgan Raymond, Monaco’s deputy prosecutor, revealed during a press conference that the explosive device was detonated remotely using a control mechanism. The bomb’s remains are currently undergoing forensic analysis in France.
Initial witness accounts described the bomber as a heavily built male wearing dark clothing and a black bucket hat. However, subsequent examination of surveillance footage from previous days, combined with witness testimony, led investigators to conclude the suspect was actually a woman using male disguise.
The Red Notice describes Berezovska as having dark hair and a distinctive tattoo, possibly depicting a snake, extending from her right shoulder to elbow. She is known to speak German and was born in Ukraine.
Investigators have traced the suspect’s escape route through multiple European countries. She initially fled from Monaco through France into Italy before continuing across several other nations. Her last known address was in Germany, where authorities conducted searches on Thursday.
German law enforcement, including special forces units, searched a rented apartment near Frankfurt linked to the 39-year-old Ukrainian woman. Officers also secured a vehicle used by the suspect. All evidence collected will be transferred to Monaco authorities for their ongoing investigation.
Raymond emphasized that the sophistication of the explosive device and the operational methods employed suggest the suspect did not act alone. Two male individuals were detained as part of the investigation but were subsequently released without charges.
The attack has sent shockwaves through Monaco, one of the world’s smallest sovereign states renowned for its concentration of wealthy residents and typically low crime rates. Prince Albert II condemned the bombing as an “odious act” and assured that all public services have been mobilized to maintain security.
The incident occurs against the backdrop of ongoing tensions related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. While Ukraine has reportedly conducted targeted operations against Russian figures, such actions have primarily been confined to Ukrainian or Russian territory. Western intelligence sources have noted an increase in targeted killings by Russia since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
Monaco prosecutors indicated that international judicial cooperation is progressing, particularly with German authorities, as the search for Berezovska continues across Europe.
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