European police hunt for Ukrainian woman in connection with Monaco bomb attack
European Police Hunt Ukrainian Woman Linked to Monaco Bomb Attack
European police hunt for Ukrainian woman - European law enforcement agencies have intensified their search for a Ukrainian woman suspected of carrying out a bomb attack in Monaco that left three people injured. Interpol has issued a Red Notice for Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, following the incident, which occurred on Monday and targeted a public area near the French border. The attack, involving an explosive device placed deliberately, has prompted international concern about security in the wealthy microstate. Berezovska is now listed as a wanted individual, with her movements under scrutiny by authorities across multiple countries.
Tracking the Suspect Across Borders
German police conducted a search of Berezovska’s rented apartment in Frankfurt on Thursday, part of a coordinated effort to trace her whereabouts after she fled the scene. The operation revealed key evidence that will be shared with Monaco to bolster the investigation. Berezovska is believed to have traveled through Italy and France before reaching Germany, where she was last seen before going into hiding. French authorities confirmed her presence in Beausoleil, a town close to the border, where she allegedly picked up her rental car.
"Berezovska is actively evading capture," said a German official. "The evidence gathered will support Monaco’s investigation into the bombing."
Complex Investigation Unveils Female Perpetrator
Monaco’s deputy public prosecutor, Morgan Raymond, emphasized that the attack’s method and the sophistication of the explosive device pointed to a planned operation. "The perpetrator demonstrated advanced knowledge, suggesting they were not acting alone," Raymond explained. This led investigators to revise their initial assumption that the suspect was male, as captured on CCTV footage. Berezovska, described as a woman with dark hair, was identified through cross-border collaboration and forensic analysis.
Raymond highlighted the rapid response of Monaco’s security forces, who identified the suspect within 53 hours of the incident. "The swift action by local teams was crucial in securing the necessary information," she noted. The investigation also relied on intelligence from neighboring countries, particularly France, which played a key role in tracing Berezovska’s escape route. Her ability to disguise herself added to the challenge of locating her.
Victims and the Impact on Monaco
The bomb detonated in an apartment building’s entrance hall, injuring three residents including Vadym Yermolaiev, a Ukrainian-born business magnate who later became a Cypriot national. His partner and 13-year-old son were also among the victims, with the couple suffering severe injuries. Yermolaiev sustained critical burns, while his partner remained in serious condition. The child was hospitalized with non-critical injuries, highlighting the attack’s devastating personal impact.
Prince Albert II of Monaco condemned the bombing as a "heinous act," stressing its threat to the nation’s security. The microstate, known for its affluent population and stringent safety measures, now faces renewed scrutiny. The attack underscores vulnerabilities in even the most protected areas, as the device was planted in a location frequented by residents and visitors. European police agencies continue to collaborate closely to ensure the suspect is apprehended.
Background on the Suspect
Berezovska’s connection to Ukraine has been a central focus of the investigation. She is linked to Vadym Yermolaiev, who has been sanctioned in Ukraine since December 2023 for his business ventures in Crimea. The territory, annexed by Russia, has been a point of contention, and Yermolaiev’s financial success in the region has drawn criticism. His estimated net worth, reported at $220 million in 2021 by Forbes Ukraine, places him among the country’s most prominent wealthy figures.
European police agencies are now coordinating efforts to locate Berezovska, who may have fled to neighboring countries. The case has raised questions about the role of Ukrainian nationals in international terrorism. With Interpol’s support, the hunt continues as authorities seek to uncover her motives and potential accomplices. The incident has also sparked discussions about the need for stronger cross-border security protocols in the region.