Assassination of Ukrainian businessman that shocked Monaco, perpetrator identified

2026-07-03 17:52:04Kosova&Bota SHKRUAR NGA REDAKSIA VOX

Assassination of Ukrainian businessman that shocked Monaco, perpetrator

Interpol has identified a Ukrainian woman as the main suspect in a package bomb attack in Monaco that seriously injured a Ukrainian-sanctioned businessman and two other people.

The case concerns Anastasiia Berezovska, 39, for whom an Interpol Red Notice has been issued. She is wanted for attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public place and participation in a criminal organization.

According to authorities, shortly before 9 p.m. on Monday, a person left a package at the entrance of an apartment building in Monaco. Moments later, the explosion occurred, just as three residents – a couple and their 13-year-old son – were entering the building.

Security camera footage shows the suspect wearing a dark hat, who leaves immediately after placing the package in the direction of the French commune of Beausoleil.

Meanwhile, German police conducted searches at the rented apartment of a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman in the Main-Taunus region of the state of Hesse.

The vehicle she is suspected of using was also seized during the operation, and the evidence collected will be handed over to the Monaco authorities. However, the suspect remains at large.

Prince Albert II of Monaco has described the incident as a "heinous crime."

Although authorities have not confirmed the identities of the victims, local media report that the target of the attack was businessman Vadym Yermolaiev, his partner and their son.

Yermolaiev, 58, is a real estate developer based in Monaco. He renounced his Ukrainian citizenship in 2019 and took Cypriot citizenship.

The businessman has large interests in the wine and alcohol sector in Russian-annexed Crimea and has been under sanctions imposed by the Ukrainian government since 2023.

According to Forbes magazine, in 2020 he was ranked as the 39th richest person in Ukraine, with an estimated fortune of around $230 million.


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