Ukrainian Woman Suspected in Monaco Parcel Bombing Was ‘Disguised as a Man’
Ukrainian woman suspected of Monaco parcel – On Monday evening, a devastating parcel bombing in Monaco left three residents injured, including a wealthy Ukrainian-born businessman and his partner, as well as their 13-year-old son. The attack, which occurred near the French border in the city’s central district, has sparked an international investigation. Authorities have now revealed that the primary suspect is a Ukrainian woman living in Germany, who had concealed her identity by appearing as a man.
Interpol Red Notice and Suspect Profile
Interpol issued a red notice on Friday, formally requesting global law enforcement agencies to apprehend Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old Ukrainian national. The notice describes her as German-speaking, with dark hair and a tattoo on her right arm, potentially depicting a snake, extending from the shoulder to the elbow. The notice charges her with attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public area with criminal intent, and conspiracy to commit the crime.
“Evidence was secured which will be handed over to Monaco authorities,” said German police, confirming they had searched the rented flat and car of the woman.
The suspect is believed to have fled the scene after detonating the device remotely, crossing into France and escaping via a car rented in Germany. Officials in Monaco stated she is currently at large, though her movements have been tracked to Frankfurt, where she was spotted following the incident.
Attack Details and Victims
The explosion took place in the entrance hall of a small apartment complex located between the Boulevard d’Italie and the Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla. Residents were entering the building at approximately 9pm local time when the device activated. The victims, whose identities remain under investigation, include Vadym Iermolaiev, a 58-year-old businessman originally from Ukraine and now a Cypriot national, his partner, and their son. While the child was treated in non-critical condition at Nice’s Lenval children’s hospital, the two adults were rushed to Nice university hospital with severe injuries.
Hospital staff reported that Iermolaiev’s condition has stabilized, though the woman’s remains critical. French media sources indicated that surgeons performed amputations on both her legs as part of the emergency treatment. The attack has shaken Monaco, a sovereign state renowned for its affluent population and serene reputation.
Disguise and Identification Process
Initially, investigators believed the attacker was a man based on descriptions from surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts. The suspect was described as a heavily built individual wearing a dark long-sleeved top, light-colored shorts, and a black bucket hat. However, further analysis of the footage and interviews with witnesses led to the realization that the suspect had been disguising her gender.
“The wanted woman is currently on the run,” added German police, emphasizing the urgency of the case.
Two photographs included in the Interpol notice depict the suspect as a woman wearing a white T-shirt with dark stripes. In one image, she holds an electronic device with a cable, suggesting possible involvement in triggering the explosion. These visuals, combined with the evidence from her German residence, have solidified the case against Berezovska. Monaco’s deputy prosecutor, Morgan Raymond, noted that the sophistication of the explosive device indicates a likely coordinated effort, with the suspect possibly acting alone.
Suspect’s Background and Motives
Berezovska’s connection to Iermolaiev is under scrutiny. The Ukrainian-born businessman, who has resided in Monaco since 2021, was sanctioned by Ukraine in December 2023 for his business activities in Crimea. Kyiv accuses him of maintaining an alcohol business there and continuing to pay taxes to Russia even after its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Forbes magazine estimated his fortune at $220 million in 2021, highlighting his financial influence.
Raymond also mentioned that Iermolaiev’s 35-year-old son, Artur, may have played a role in the attack. Artur was recently convicted of fraud in Estonia for orchestrating a fake investment scam that raised approximately €100 million between 2019 and 2022. His conviction underscores a pattern of financial misconduct linked to the family, raising questions about their motives.
Monaco’s Response and Global Implications
The attack has prompted a swift response from Monaco’s leadership. Prince Albert II, the country’s head of state, condemned the incident as “an odious act,” vowing to mobilize all public services to investigate and secure the area. The bombing, which occurred in a high-traffic zone, has heightened concerns about security in a region typically associated with tranquility and wealth.
Monaco’s deputy prosecutor emphasized the complexity of the device, suggesting that the attack required planning and technical expertise. “Investigators consider it probable she did not act alone,” Raymond stated, hinting at potential accomplices or broader networks. The case has also drawn attention to the challenges of tracking individuals who can blend into their surroundings, using disguises to evade detection.
With Interpol’s red notice and the collaboration between German and Monaco authorities, the search for Berezovska has intensified. The suspect’s ability to conceal her identity and move across borders raises questions about how she managed to execute the attack without prior suspicion. As the investigation continues, the incident underscores the vulnerability of even the smallest nations to international threats.
The scandal has added a new layer to the tensions between Ukraine and Russia. Iermolaiev’s business ventures in Crimea, a region annexed by Russia in 2014, have been a focal point of Ukrainian sanctions. His continued ties to the Russian-controlled territory may have fueled resentment, contributing to the attack. The son’s conviction further illustrates the family’s controversial legacy, linking their actions to broader geopolitical conflicts.
As authorities work to piece together the timeline of the attack, the focus remains on Berezovska’s ability to orchestrate such a precise operation. The case highlights the intersection of personal and political motives, as well as the global reach of individuals operating under the radar. Monaco, though small, now faces the challenge of maintaining its security amid escalating international pressures.
