Monaco authorities have launched an international manhunt for Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, identified via an Interpol red notice as a suspect in a targeted explosive attack against Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev. The suspect, who allegedly disguised herself as a man to carry out the bombing, fled the principality through France and Italy before reaching Germany, according to Monaco’s deputy public prosecutor Morgan Raymond.
How the Monaco Investigation Unfolded
The identification of the suspect took 53 hours of intensive video surveillance analysis by Monaco’s public security forces, according to Éric Arella, their head. Investigators initially tracked a figure in a black bucket hat who appeared to be a man of average build. However, witness statements and earlier surveillance footage from the days preceding the attack revealed the suspect was a woman “disguised as a man,” Raymond stated.
The suspect allegedly waited on a bench before placing an explosive device at the entrance of the target’s building. She triggered the device at 8:58 p.m. on Monday using a remote control as the victims arrived on foot from a restaurant. Following the detonation, she fled on foot toward the neighboring commune of Beausoleil, where she retrieved a vehicle she had rented in Germany.
Monaco is a micro-state covering 2 square kilometers with a population of barely 40,000. Acts of targeted violence of this nature are a shock for the highly secured principality.
Current Status of the Victims and Legal Proceedings
The attack targeted Vadim Ermolaev, 58, a wealthy businessman of Ukrainian origin who now holds Cypriot nationality, according to multiple sources. Ermolaev was accompanied by his partner and their 13-year-old son during the incident. While Ermolaev’s condition has stabilized, the pronostic vital remained engaged as of Friday for his partner, according to reports from the CHU de Nice.
The Ukrainian Prosecutor General’s Office has announced the opening of a preliminary investigation into the attempted assassination. Kiev is also establishing an “international investigation team” to coordinate efforts to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. Ermolaev has been subject to sanctions in Ukraine since December 2023 due to his business activities in Crimea.
Why Investigators Suspect Accomplices
The “relative sophistication” of the explosive device and the specific methodology used suggest the suspect did not work alone, according to Prosecutor Morgan Raymond. Although two individuals were detained in Monaco on Wednesday and Thursday, they were released without charge following custody periods. The investigation is now being handled by several investigating judges under a formal judicial information process.
Pro Tip: International Cooperation in Criminal Investigations
The rapid identification of the suspect was largely attributed to the “exemplary cooperation” between Monaco and neighboring France, as well as the international reach of Interpol. When crimes cross borders, the use of red notices allows national police forces to share evidence—such as the items seized during the search of the suspect’s residence in Germany—to support foreign judicial processes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the primary suspect in the Monaco bombing?
The suspect is 39-year-old Ukrainian national Anastasiia Berezovska, who is currently the subject of an Interpol red notice. - What is the current condition of the victims?
Vadim Ermolaev’s condition has stabilized, while his partner’s pronostic vital remained engaged as of Friday. Their son was treated for injuries at the Lenval Hospital in Nice. - Was the victim under investigation in Monaco?
No. According to the Monaco public prosecutor’s office, Vadim Ermolaev was not under investigation in the principality and was not known to be wanted by foreign authorities.
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