Ukraine’s Security Service announced on Tuesday that the body of Anastasiia Berezovska, a Ukrainian national wanted by Monaco authorities in connection with a bombing targeting Ukrainian business magnate Vadym Yermolaiev, has been discovered.
According to the Security Service, an officer from Ukraine’s military intelligence agency has confessed to the killing of Berezovska with the assistance of a former law enforcement officer. The officer claimed to have acted independently without informing his superiors, as stated by the Security Service.
Reports from Ukrainska Pravda indicated that Berezovska was found dead near Kyiv, although specific details about the location and circumstances remain unclear.
The Security Service revealed that the two suspects came under scrutiny after it was uncovered that they had made numerous cryptocurrency and monetary transfers to Berezovska through bank accounts. Additionally, during searches, authorities discovered a basement resembling a torture chamber at the residence of the former law enforcement officer.
During a reconstruction of the crime scene based on one suspect’s testimony, investigators located Berezovska’s body. She had suffered gunshot wounds to the head, with spent pistol casings recovered at the scene, according to the Security Service.
Both suspects have been apprehended on suspicion of premeditated murder, with the Security Service disclosing that all known information has been shared with Monaco investigators. Efforts to identify those responsible for orchestrating the attempted assassination in Monaco are ongoing.
The attack on June 29 sent shockwaves through Monaco, a renowned haven for the wealthy and celebrities, known for its favorable tax policies, royal family, and Formula 1 Grand Prix. Prince Albert II of Monaco condemned the explosion as a despicable act, assuring that all public services were mobilized to enhance security.
Subsequent investigations revealed that Berezovska had used a rented vehicle with German license plates in Monaco post-explosion. Interpol issued a red notice for Berezovska on charges of attempted murder, placing an explosive device with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy.
Interpol confirmed that the red notice will remain in effect until Monaco requests its withdrawal. The organization declined to provide further comments on the matter at the time.
Vadym Yermolaiev, a prominent construction mogul, obtained Cypriot citizenship in 2019 and was sanctioned by Ukraine in 2023 for conducting business activities in Russian-occupied Crimea. Yermolaiev, along with his female companion and young son, were among the three individuals injured in the incident.