Monaco bombing attack suspect found shot dead in Ukraine, officials say

Monaco Bombing Attack Suspect Found Shot Dead in Ukraine, Officials Report

Monaco bombing attack suspect found shot – Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that the primary figure tied to last week’s bomb attack in Monaco was discovered lifeless in the country, according to reports. The discovery adds new layers to the investigation into the incident, which targeted a prominent Ukrainian businessman and left three individuals injured. The suspect, Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old native of Ukraine, was found with fatal gunshot wounds to the head and evidence of a pistol firing, as stated by police and the Ukrainian Prosecutor’s Office. Her death is now under scrutiny, with officials suspecting a prior conspiracy involving two men who may have been responsible for her murder.

Investigative Breakthrough and Suspects Identified

Interpol had previously named Berezovska as the main suspect in the Monaco bombing, which occurred in one of the city-state’s most upscale apartment buildings. The attack, which injured three people including the Ukrainian-born businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, was described as an “attempted assassination” by Monaco’s prosecutor, Stéphane Thibault. This marks the first recorded bomb attack on Monaco’s tightly monitored and secure streets. The suspect was identified as having disguised herself as a man during the incident, with a photograph circulating showing her fleeing the scene wearing a black jumper and her hair concealed beneath a black bucket hat.

“Law enforcement authorities are identifying the instigators and other figures involved in the attempted murder of the family in Monaco,” stated the Ukrainian Prosecutor’s Office.

Berezovska’s body was found in Ukraine, where she had resided in recent months. Investigators uncovered that she had communicated with her family and two men prior to the attack, as revealed in a statement from the Ukrainian National Police. Financial records showed repeated bank transfers and cryptocurrency payments to her, leading authorities to classify the two men as “individuals potentially involved in the attempted murder.” The police detained both suspects, with one of them—currently employed by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s Main Intelligence Directorate—admitting to the act and identifying the other as an accomplice.

Key Figures and Their Roles in the Case

The intelligence officer, who confessed to Berezovska’s murder, claimed he acted independently and had not shared his connections with superiors. His account suggests a personal motive, though the exact reason remains under investigation. Meanwhile, the second suspect—a former law enforcement official—was linked to the operation through financial ties. The police statement highlighted that the officer had concealed his interactions with Berezovska, raising questions about his involvement and the level of coordination between the suspects.

During the search for the suspects, authorities discovered a basement room at the former law enforcement officer’s residence that appeared to function as a torture chamber. This finding underscores the complexity of the case and the potential for organized networks behind the attack. The sophistication of the bomb used in Monaco, which required advanced preparation and execution, points to a multi-person operation, as noted by prosecutors during the initial investigation.

Victims and Unresolved Mysteries

The bomb explosion in Monaco’s entranceway injured Yermolaiev, a woman, and a 13-year-old child. While the woman’s identity remains undisclosed, officials confirmed she is not Yermolaiev’s wife, who was not present during the attack. The child’s age and the woman’s role in the incident have yet to be fully explained, adding to the mystery. The family’s statement, released on Tuesday, clarified that the woman was not a relative but someone Yermolaiev had encountered in the building.

Yermolaiev, the businessman targeted by the attack, was among the three injured. His survival, despite the blast, has sparked questions about the attackers’ intent. The attack’s timing and location—near a high-profile residential area—suggests a deliberate attempt to harm him. Berezovska’s presence in the building, disguised as a man, raises the possibility that she was part of a coordinated effort to carry out the attack. However, her murder in Ukraine complicates the timeline and motives, leaving investigators to piece together the events leading up to the bombing.

Connecting the Dots: Financial Links and Operational Planning

Berezovska arrived in Ukraine on July 1, according to Ukrainian National Police. She maintained contact with her family and the two suspects, who had been actively funding her activities. The financial trail, including transfers and cryptocurrency payments, indicates a well-planned operation. Police described the search for the suspects as urgent, with measures taken to track their movements following the attack. The intelligence officer’s confession, while pointing to his individual action, also revealed that the second suspect was aware of the plan and played a supporting role.

The use of a German-registered car, rented for the operation, further highlights the international nature of the plot. Berezovska reportedly fled to France after the attack before traveling to Italy in the vehicle. This suggests a strategic effort to evade detection, possibly with the aid of the suspects. The car’s registration in Germany, where Berezovska had lived recently, may have been a deliberate choice to mask her origins and link the operation to broader networks.

Monaco’s authorities have reached out to the city-state’s Justice Department for further details, while Interpol continues to investigate Berezovska’s connections. The discovery of her body in Ukraine adds a new dimension to the case, prompting speculation about the role of Ukrainian intelligence in both the bombing and her subsequent murder. Investigators are now focusing on uncovering the identities of those who orchestrated the attack and the full extent of the conspiracy.

Context and Significance of the Attack

Last week’s incident in Monaco is significant not only for its impact on the local community but also for its implications on international security. The city-state, known for its high level of surveillance, has never before experienced a bomb attack. This event has raised concerns about the vulnerability of even the most secure locations. The sophistication of the bomb, combined with the suspects’ financial connections and the evidence of a torture chamber, suggests a high-stakes operation with potential ties to broader geopolitical tensions.

As the investigation progresses, officials are piecing together the sequence of events. The murder of Berezovska in Ukraine appears to be a separate but connected act, possibly aimed at silencing her or eliminating her role in the attack. The Ukrainian National Police and prosecutors are working to determine the full scope of the conspiracy, including any additional figures involved in the plot. CNN has sought comments from Monaco’s police, Justice Department, and Interpol to provide further clarity on the case.

While the motive behind the attack and Berezovska’s murder remains unclear, the case has sparked widespread interest. The international nature of the suspects, their financial activities, and the strategic use of transportation all point to a meticulously planned operation. As authorities continue their search, the story of the Monaco bombing and its aftermath is evolving, revealing new insights into the complexities of modern terrorism and its reach across borders.