The body of a woman believed to be involved in the attempted murder of a Ukrainian oligarch in Monaco has been discovered.
Last month, Vadim Ermolaev, 58, sustained severe injuries in a blast near his residence, prompting authorities to seek a suspect linked to the incident through released images.
Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman, was identified by Interpol as the prime suspect in the Monaco attack on June 30, which resulted in Ermolaev and two others being hospitalized.
Initially perceived as a male suspect, authorities later disclosed that this was a disguise, leading to an arrest warrant for Berezovska, who allegedly fled the scene on foot and then drove to Germany.
An Interpol Red Notice issued on Friday indicated that Berezovska was wanted in Monaco for attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public area with criminal intent, and engaging in criminal conspiracy.
Described as having dark hair and a tattoo, possibly a snake, on her right arm from shoulder to elbow, Berezovska was born in Ukraine, speaks German, and was last known to reside in Germany, according to the notice.
In a recent development, reports indicate that she has been found deceased near Kyiv.
Allegedly, two individuals, one a current officer of the Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense and the other a former law enforcement officer, have been apprehended in connection with her death, as per Ukrainian site Pravda citing sources.
A law enforcement source involved in the Monaco investigation described the suspect as “armed” and “dangerous”.
German authorities announced on Friday that they had conducted searches at the rented accommodation and vehicle of a 39-year-old Ukrainian female. They stated that evidence had been collected and would be provided to Monaco authorities, emphasizing that the wanted woman was currently evading law enforcement.
Meanwhile, Monaco deputy prosecutor Morgan Raymond suggested that the complexity of the explosive device and the modus operandi indicated possible collaboration in the attack. Two men were initially detained in Monaco but were released later due to lack of evidence linking them to the crime.
The explosion from a parcel bomb occurred at the entrance of an apartment building on Rue Révérend Père Louis Frolla around 9pm local time.
According to Christophe Mirmand, Monaco’s minister of state, CCTV footage showed the victims entering their residence peacefully before the attack on Monday evening. They were then caught in the blast as they entered the apartment building.
