Ukrainian woman who disguised herself as a man is main suspect in Monaco attack

Ukrainian Woman Disguised as Man Faces Monaco Bombing Allegations

Ukrainian woman who disguised herself – Monaco’s authorities have identified a Ukrainian woman as the primary suspect in a bomb attack that injured a prominent Ukrainian businessman on Monday, according to recent reports. The woman, Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, was named in an Interpol Red Notice, highlighting her connection to the incident. Authorities revealed that she had previously lived in Germany, where she was last known to reside, and possesses a tattoo that may depict a snake stretching from her shoulder to her elbow along the right arm.

Attack and Perpetrator’s Escape

Following the blast, Berezovska fled the scene, crossing into France and subsequently traveling to Italy via a German-registered rental car. Prosecutors noted that the vehicle was used for the operation, suggesting a premeditated plan. The bomb’s complexity has led officials to believe multiple individuals were involved, though Berezovska remains the central figure under investigation. Two men were detained in Monaco during the probe but were later released due to insufficient evidence, the authorities added.

The attack targeted Vadym Yermolaiev, a Ukrainian-born tycoon, and occurred in the entranceway of one of Monaco’s most luxurious apartment buildings. The blast injured a woman and a child, though the specific identities of the victims have not been officially disclosed. Monegasque officials confirmed the victims were part of a “family of Ukrainian origin,” leaving the details of their connection to Yermolaiev unclear. The injured woman, who is not Yermolaiev’s wife, has spoken out about her experience.

“I was not in the home at the time of the attack and was not harmed,” she stated to Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne on Tuesday, shedding light on her alibi.

Three individuals were present at the scene when the bomb detonated, with one remaining in a life-threatening condition, another suffering serious injuries, and the third sustaining minor harm. Prosecutors reported these details on Friday, emphasizing the severity of the incident. Additional casualties were reported outside the building, where glass debris caused injuries to two more people.

Monaco’s Security and the Shock of the Attack

Monaco, known for its high level of security, is roughly half the size of Central Park but is monitored by 556 police officers and 1,387 CCTV cameras. The city-state has experienced no homicides or attempted murders in the past year, making the bombing a rare and alarming event. Prosecutor Stéphane Thibault described the attack as an “attempted assassination,” marking the first such incident recorded in Monaco’s history of highly surveilled streets.

Security footage played a critical role in identifying the suspect. The footage showed her scouting the area multiple times before the attack, wearing a masculine disguise. This included a black jumper, light-colored trousers, and a black bucket hat that concealed her hair. The suspect’s behavior mirrored that of the person seen on the night of the bombing, leading investigators to conclude she was the same individual responsible for planting the device.

Monaco’s police, accustomed to handling minor incidents, were taken aback by the sophistication of the attack. The timing and execution of the bombing, which occurred as the victims returned from a seaside dinner, underscored the precision of the perpetrators. The suspect’s ability to blend into the environment and evade immediate detection highlighted the challenges of tracking individuals in a secure, compact city-state.

International Investigations and Ongoing Efforts

German police have joined the investigation, searching the rental apartment and vehicle linked to Berezovska. They plan to share their findings with Monegasque authorities, indicating a collaborative approach to solving the case. The probe now spans multiple countries, with officials working to piece together the timeline and motives behind the attack.

BFMTV, CNN’s French affiliate, released a photograph of the suspect shortly after the incident. Initially, media outlets assumed the image depicted a man fleeing the scene, but further analysis revealed the individual was female. This moment sparked renewed interest in the case, with the suspect’s disguise becoming a focal point of public and media speculation.

While the motive for the bombing remains elusive, the attack has shaken Monaco’s sense of safety. The city’s reputation as a secure, upscale destination has been challenged by the event. Officials are now reviewing footage and testimonies to build a stronger case against Berezovska. The possibility of a larger conspiracy involving the two men arrested in Monaco adds another layer of complexity to the investigation.

Monaco’s security infrastructure, though robust, may have been bypassed by the suspect’s ability to operate undetected. The use of a rented German car and her previous residence in Germany suggest possible ties to the broader region. Investigators are also examining whether the tattoo could be a clue, given its potential symbolic meaning.

As the probe continues, the case has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities of even the most secure environments. The fact that a single individual could execute such a meticulously planned attack raises questions about how the suspect managed to remain hidden. With international cooperation intensifying, the hope is that the evidence gathered will lead to a resolution, both for the victims and for Monaco’s community.

This story has been updated with recent developments, reflecting the evolving nature of the investigation. CNN’s Ivana Kottasová and Rupert Neate contributed to the reporting, ensuring a comprehensive overview of the incident. The Ukrainian woman’s disguise and her apparent connection to the attack have positioned her as a key figure in the case, setting the stage for further revelations in the days ahead.