Ukrainian suspect in Monaco bombing found shot dead

A Ukrainian woman wanted in Monaco over a package bombing that injured a family has been found shot dead in Ukraine, where two men have been detained in connection with her killing, according to Ukrainian officials.

The woman was identified by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) as Anastasia Berezovska, a Ukrainian national suspected by authorities in Monaco of carrying out an attempted murder attack in the principality. Three people were injured in the bombing, two of them seriously.

The attack happened shortly after 9 p.m. on June 29, when a package exploded as the victims entered a building. Monaco’s deputy prosecutor, Morgan Raymond, said Berezovska had spent days watching the residence and was disguised as a man during the attack.

Reports indicated that Ukrainian oligarch Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner and his 13-year-old son were targeted, according to BBC News.

Berezovska was believed to have fled through Italy and Germany after the attack. Interpol later issued a red notice seeking her arrest on suspicion of attempted murder, placing an explosive device on a public road with criminal intent and criminal conspiracy.

Ukrainian officials said Berezovska returned to Ukraine on July 1, the same day Ukrainian authorities opened a criminal investigation. Investigators traced her movements and contacts, including her family and two men: a former law enforcement officer and an active member of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency.

The SBU said investigators were examining both men as possible links to the Monaco attack because they had repeatedly transferred money to Berezovska through crypto and bank accounts.

During searches, the active intelligence officer told investigators that he and the other man had killed Berezovska. Ukrainian officials said the officer claimed he had not informed his commanders about his contacts with Berezovska, the money transfers or any other actions, and acted on his own.

Both men have been detained on suspicion of murder committed by a group acting by prior agreement.

Investigators later found Berezovska’s body with gunshot wounds to the head, along with pistol casings, after one of the suspects gave a statement and took part in a reconstruction, Ukrainian officials said.

During a search of the former law enforcement officer’s home, investigators also found a basement room resembling a torture chamber, the SBU said.

Ukraine’s prosecutor general said there was no evidence the room was connected to Berezovska’s case and that it appeared to reflect “the profile of one of the suspects,” according to BBC News.

Ukrainian officials said they have shared available information with investigators in Monaco and are working to identify whoever ordered the attack, as well as any other people involved.