Explosion in Monaco: Interpol puts Ukrainian woman suspected of attempted murder of businessman on wanted list

The key suspect in the attempted murder of Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev in Monaco is alleged to be Ukrainian citizen Anastasiia Berezovska, who has been placed on Interpol's wanted list.

Source: European Pravda; several French media outlets, including Le Figaro and Nice-Matin

Details: On 3 July, Interpol issued a wanted notice for 39-year-old Ukrainian citizen Anastasiia Berezovska, who is suspected of planting an explosive device that seriously injured sanctioned Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev and members of his family in Monaco.

The red notice contains two photographs of the woman. It states that she is a Ukrainian citizen, speaks German and is wanted on suspicion of attempted murder using an explosive device in a public place as part of an organised criminal group.

Media reports said investigators identified her using surveillance camera footage and information provided by a witness who had encountered her before the incident. CCTV footage also showed that she had spent several days in Monaco conducting reconnaissance, including by car. Le Figaro reported that she is believed to be living in Germany.

The French authorities reportedly obtained footage on 2 July showing Berezovska at a reception desk where she had come to collect a rented car under a false name.

At a press conference on 3 July, the Monaco prosecutor's office said investigators needed 48 hours to identify the suspect.

Deputy Prosecutor Morgan Raymond said the suspect "did not act alone". He revealed that two other male suspects had been detained in recent days but were later released after no concrete evidence of their possible involvement was found.

Earlier unofficial reports said investigators in Monaco were considering the possible involvement of the Security Service of Ukraine in the explosion.

Background:

• On 29 June at around 21:00, three people were injured in an explosion in Monaco, two of whom sustained very serious injuries. They are reported to be sanctioned Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev and members of his family, although the Monaco prosecutor's office has still not officially confirmed their identities
• Vadym Yermolaiev is a businessman from Dnipro, founder of the Alef trade and manufacturing corporation and one of the city's largest property developers. He was previously regularly listed among the 100 richest people in Ukraine by Forbes. In 2019, he renounced his Ukrainian citizenship to become a citizen of Cyprus.
• Yermolaiev was also featured in Ukrainska Pravda's Monaco Battalion investigation into Ukrainian businessmen, politicians and oligarchs who settled on the French Riviera during the full-scale war.

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