Background on the Incident
A Ukrainian woman suspected of orchestrating a parcel bomb attack in Monaco, which injured a wealthy Ukrainian businessman and his family, has been found dead in Ukraine, according to the country's security service (SBU). The incident triggered a manhunt for 39-year-old Anastasiia Berezovska, believed to have fled Monaco after placing the explosive device.
Discovery and Investigation of the Suspect's Death
Berezovska's body was discovered in a forest in the Kyiv region with gunshot wounds to the head, as per the SBU and Ukraine's prosecutor general. Two individuals, including an active officer in Ukraine's military intelligence, have been charged with her murder. The SBU reported that Berezovska arrived in Ukraine on July 1, two days after the bombing.
The prosecutor general's office stated that two suspects met Berezovska in a vehicle on a highway in the Kyiv region, where she was subsequently killed. The SBU highlighted Berezovska's communication with her family and two men, one a former law enforcement officer and the other an intelligence officer, after her return to Ukraine. These men were investigated for possible involvement in the Monaco incident, as they reportedly transferred funds to Berezovska's accounts.
Charges and Confession
The intelligence officer confessed to Berezovska's murder, admitting he committed the act with another suspect. Both men have been charged with intentional murder, committed by prior conspiracy. During a search of the former law enforcement officer's residence, authorities found a basement room resembling a torture chamber. However, the prosecutor general clarified that there was no evidence linking this room to Berezovska's case. The office released a video depicting a mat with potential blood spots, two axes, a pickaxe, tarpaulin, and a large bag.
Details of the Monaco Attack
Monaco's deputy prosecutor, Morgan Raymond, revealed that Berezovska spent several days planning the attack, disguising herself as a man during the operation. The explosion injured three people, with two sustaining serious injuries when the package detonated as they entered the building.
Authorities believe Berezovska fled Monaco in a rented car, traveling through Italy to Germany. German police later searched an apartment in Hesse, reportedly connected to a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman who was on the run. Interpol issued a red notice for Berezovska, seeking her arrest for attempted murder, placing an explosive device, and criminal conspiracy.
Ongoing Investigations
The SBU confirmed Ukrainian authorities are sharing all relevant information with Monaco officials. Efforts continue to identify additional suspects involved in the bombing. Monaco authorities have not confirmed the identities of those targeted, but local media have suggested that Vadym Yermolaiev, a real estate mogul, his partner, and his 13-year-old son were the victims. Yermolaiev, once ranked the 39th richest Ukrainian by Forbes, has faced sanctions due to his business interests in Crimea.
A correction was issued regarding initial reports that Berezovska had been held in the basement found during the investigation. Ukrainian authorities later clarified the footage was released to illustrate the suspect's profile, not as evidence of her murder.
Source: Original Article
