Monaco bomb attack suspect ‘found shot dead in Kyiv as two arrested’

The Monaco bomb attack suspect Anastasiia Berezovska, who is wanted by Interpol following the incident, has reportedly been found dead in Kyiv, according to a publication’s sources

The suspect in the Monaco bomb attack that seriously injured sanctioned businessman Vadim Ermolaev, who is also known as Vadym Yermolaiev, and two others has reportedly been shot dead in Kyiv.

According to Ukraine Pravda, Anastasiia Berezovska was found dead yesterday (July 6) at around 11pm with wounds suggesting she had been shot.

The publication claims that two people have been arrested in connection with the incident with one being a current officer of the Main Intelligence Directorate and a former law enforcement officer. Berezovska, who had reportedly been out of Ukraine since March last year, arrived back in the country on July 1, the publication claims.

Interpol had named Berezovska as the main suspect in the Monaco bombing last week after the attack reportedly targeted the Ukrainian tycoon, who is believed to have links to Russia.

The organisation identified Berezovska, a 39-year-old woman from Ukraine, as the suspect in a Red Notice posted on its website seeking her arrest. She reportedly left a parcel bomb outside what is believed to be the Monaco home of Ermolaev on June 29.

The Interpol notice says the suspect has a tattoo, possibly of a snake, on her right arm from the shoulder to the elbow. It says she was born in Ukraine, has dark hair, and speaks German.

Her arrest is sought by authorities in Monaco for attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public place with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy.

Monaco authorities have not identified any of the three people wounded in the explosion at an apartment building entrance last week but said they are a family and that they appear to have been specifically targeted.

A woman and a child were also hurt. One of the victims is still in a life-threatening condition, prosecutors said on Friday, also mentioning two other “collateral victims” who were slightly injured in the attack.

Ermolaev said he renounced his Ukrainian citizenship nearly a decade ago, and he was targeted by Ukrainian sanctions in 2023 for ties to Russia.

Two male individuals were taken into police custody as part of the Monaco attack investigation, but both were subsequently released.

Investigators also identified a rented vehicle fitted with German licence plates used by the suspect in Monaco.

The suspect’s escape route was traced, including the journey from France into Italy, and then across several European countries up to her country of residence.

Berezovska last known address was in Germany. German police, including special forces, have searched the rented apartment near Frankfurt.

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.