Interpol has issued a “red notice” for Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old German-based explosive expert, following a parcel bomb attack on Ukrainian-born oligarch Vadym Yermolaiev in Monaco. The attack, which utilized an improvised explosive device packed with metal bolts and lead pellets, resulted in severe injuries to multiple victims and prompted an international manhunt for the suspect, who allegedly fled the scene on foot.
Who is the suspect in the Monaco bombing?
Authorities have identified Anastasiia Berezovska as the primary suspect in the attack. According to the Interpol red notice, Berezovska is a Ukrainian-born individual who reportedly left Ukraine in 2022 following the outbreak of war. She is described as having brown hair and a distinct tattoo on her right arm, potentially depicting a snake, which runs from her shoulder to her elbow.
German police have conducted searches of the suspect’s home and vehicle near Frankfurt, though reports indicate no immediate evidence was recovered during these raids. Interpol’s request for assistance lists the charges against her as attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public place with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy.
This incident marks the first attack of its kind in Monaco, a microstate renowned for its high-density security-camera coverage and significant police presence.
How did the attack unfold?
The bombing occurred as Vadym Yermolaiev returned to his home with his son and a woman after dining at a seaside restaurant. Surveillance footage reportedly shows a suspect scouting the location multiple times in the days leading up to the event, consistently wearing masculine attire. Moments before the blast, the suspect was captured on video depositing a backpack in the building’s lobby.
The device, which investigators describe as an improvised explosive, caused catastrophic injuries. According to local media reports, the woman accompanying Yermolaiev required the amputation of both legs and suffered significant damage to her sight and hearing. Yermolaiev sustained serious injuries, while his 13-year-old son suffered minor wounds. Four additional people were treated for shock and cuts following the explosion.
What is the suspected motive?
Investigators are examining potential motives linked to Yermolaiev’s past business dealings. One primary theory involves revenge for his alleged involvement in the wine industry within the Crimean peninsula. Crimea, which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014, remains subject to international sanctions.
Yermolaiev, a Cypriot citizen who renounced his Ukrainian nationality in 2019, has transitioned into a career as a property developer. The Ukrainian foreign ministry has confirmed that its embassy in France
