International Manhunt Launched for Monaco Bombing Suspect

​A sweeping international manhunt is underway for 39-year-old Ukrainian national Anastasiia Berezovska, who has been named by Interpol as the primary suspect in the brutal parcel bombing that rocked Monaco earlier this week.

​The attack, which occurred on Monday evening near the border with France, targeted a prominent Ukraine-born tycoon, his partner, and their 13-year-old son. The three victims were entering their apartment building when a remotely detonated explosive device was triggered, leaving the family with severe injuries.

​The Investigation

​Authorities in Monaco issued a Red Notice for Berezovska on Friday, citing charges of attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public place, and criminal conspiracy. Monaco’s deputy prosecutor, Morgan Raymond, revealed that while the suspect was initially misidentified as a man due to her choice of disguise—a dark long-sleeved top, shorts, and a bucket hat—CCTV footage and witness reports eventually led investigators to determine the perpetrator was a woman.

​Evidence suggests the operation was highly sophisticated. Berezovska is believed to have conducted multiple reconnaissance visits to the area in the days leading up to the blast. Following the explosion, she reportedly fled on foot into France before utilizing a car rented in Germany to traverse several European countries, including Italy.

ADVERTISEMENT

​German authorities confirmed on Friday that they have raided a flat and a vehicle associated with the suspect. While Berezovska remains at large, officials stated that key evidence has been secured and will be handed over to Monegasque investigators. Prosecutor Raymond noted that given the nature of the device and the precision of the attack, it is highly probable that the suspect did not act alone.

​The Victims

​While Monaco officials have not officially confirmed the names of those injured, reports identify the target as 58-year-old Vadym Iermolaiev, a wealthy businessman and Cypriot national who has resided in the principality since 2021.

​The blast caused life-threatening injuries to Iermolaiev and his partner, the latter of whom reportedly underwent a double leg amputation. Their 13-year-old son, while also injured, is currently in a non-critical condition. Iermolaiev had been the subject of Ukrainian sanctions since December 2023, following accusations that he continued business operations in Crimea and maintained financial ties to Russia following the 2022 invasion.

​A Principality Shaken

​The attack has sent shockwaves through Monaco, a microstate known for its ultra-secure environment and high concentration of global wealth. Prince Albert II of Monaco condemned the incident as an “odious act,” and has ordered all public security services to prioritize the investigation.

​Interpol’s notice provides a distinct physical description of Berezovska: she is described as German-speaking, with dark hair and a noticeable tattoo of a snake extending from her shoulder to her right elbow. Law enforcement agencies across Europe remain on high alert as the pursuit continues.