Image: from Viktor Kovalenko X @MrKovalenko
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
The woman identified as the prime suspect in the parcel bomb attack that seriously injured Ukrainian businessman Vadym Yermolaiev in Monaco has been found dead near Kyiv, in a dramatic development that has added new intrigue to an already complex international investigation.
Ukrainian prosecutors confirmed that Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, was discovered with fatal gunshot wounds late Monday near the Ukrainian capital. Her death came just days after she had been publicly identified as the main suspect in the bombing that shocked Monaco.
Breaking news in Kyiv: A Ukrainian woman suspected of carrying out a bombing that injured a Ukrainian-born business tycoon in Monaco was found Monday evening shot dead and buried near Kyiv. Prosecutors discovered a “torture chamber” at one of the two suspects’ homes. The men — a… pic.twitter.com/KD9qt9gaNR
— Christopher Miller (@ChristopherJM) July 7, 2026
Two Arrested in Ukraine
Prosecutors announced the arrest of two men in connection with Berezovska’s killing.
One of those detained is reportedly an employee of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence Directorate (HUR), who allegedly admitted participating in the shooting alongside another suspect believed to be a member of Ukrainian law enforcement.
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for Berezovska’s killing, and investigations remain ongoing.
Monaco Bombing Targeted Ukrainian Oligarch
The explosion occurred last week in the lobby of a residential building on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla in Monaco.
According to investigators, a bag containing an explosive device had been left inside the building before being remotely detonated as Vadym Yermolaiev, accompanied by family members, approached the entrance.
The blast critically injured two adults, including a woman who later underwent the amputation of both legs. A child was also injured in the attack.
Monaco officials described the bombing as a targeted assassination attempt.
International Investigation
Surveillance footage initially appeared to show a man fleeing the scene shortly after the explosion. French investigators later concluded that the individual was actually a woman disguised as a man.
Interpol subsequently released Berezovska’s photograph as part of an international manhunt.
According to Monaco Prosecutor Stéphanie Thibault, investigators determined that the suspect had travelled across several European countries using a vehicle with German registration plates. Her last officially registered residence was in Germany.
Thibault praised the close cooperation between Monaco, French and international law enforcement agencies, saying it enabled investigators to identify the suspected bomber in an unusually short period.
Remote-Controlled Device
Investigators believe the explosive device was detonated remotely.
According to preliminary findings, the suspect allegedly activated the bomb using what investigators described as a device resembling a remote control after the intended target approached the bag.
Authorities have stated that the attack likely involved multiple individuals rather than a lone perpetrator.
Motive Remains Unclear
The motive behind the assassination attempt remains under investigation.
Several theories have emerged in recent days.
One line of speculation suggests the attack could be linked to Yermolaiev’s business interests in Russian occupied Ukrainian territories.
Another theory, reportedly being examined by investigators, concerns alleged links to a large fraudulent call centre network operating in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Yermolaiev has denied any involvement in those allegations.
Sources familiar with the investigation have indicated that French authorities are also exploring whether organized criminal groups connected to the fraud case may have orchestrated the bombing.
The investigation has also drawn attention because similar criminal operations have previously been associated with Chechen organized crime groups responsible for large scale financial fraud targeting Russian citizens.
At present, however, investigators have not established any confirmed connection between those criminal networks and the Monaco bombing.
The death of the principal suspect now adds another layer of complexity to an investigation spanning multiple countries and involving both organized crime and intelligence related allegations.