Interpol has issued a red notice for a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman, Anastasiia Berezovska, as the prime suspect in a parcel bombing in Monaco that seriously wounded a sanctioned Ukrainian-born multi-millionaire and two others. The bombing occurred on Monday in the lobby of a luxury apartment building in Monaco, targeting Vadym Yermolaiev, a 58-year-old businessman with ties to Russia.
Details of the Bombing
The explosive device, which contained bolts and buckshot, detonated in the lobby of one of Monaco's most upscale residential buildings. The blast left a man and a woman with serious injuries, while a teenager was also hurt. Monaco public prosecutor Stephane Thibault confirmed on Tuesday that the man's condition had stabilized, but the woman remained in a life-threatening state. Authorities are treating the incident as an attempted murder case.
According to prosecutors, the sophistication of the bomb suggests more than one perpetrator was involved. Two men were arrested in Monaco but later released due to insufficient evidence. Berezovska, who was disguised as a man according to a Monaco prosecutor, fled to France after the bombing and then drove to Italy in a rented German-registered car, as reported by CNN.
Suspect Profile: Anastasiia Berezovska
Interpol's red notice identifies Berezovska as a Ukrainian national born on June 26, 1987, who last resided in Germany. The notice includes a distinctive feature: a tattoo, possibly of a snake, running down her right arm from shoulder to elbow. She was last seen in Germany, according to Reuters. Interpol is seeking her arrest worldwide.
The suspect's ability to evade capture across multiple countries highlights the international scope of the investigation. Authorities are coordinating with law enforcement in France, Italy, and Germany to track her movements.
Target: Vadym Yermolaiev
The intended target of the bombing was Vadym Yermolaiev, a Ukrainian-born multi-millionaire who has been sanctioned due to his ties to Russia. Yermolaiev, who is 58, built his fortune in the construction business in Dnipro, becoming one of the city's largest property developers. He obtained Cypriot citizenship in the 2010s and has lived in Monaco since at least 2021.
Ukrainian media reported that Yermolaiev had previously faced sanctions because of his connections to Russia. He operated an alcohol business in Crimea, paying taxes to Russia even after its invasion of Ukraine. An AFP source noted that people would have been lining up to kill him in Dnipro, the city where he amassed his wealth. Yermolaiev has denied charges of operating in Crimea.
Investigation and International Response
The bombing has drawn international attention due to the high-profile nature of the target and the suspect's cross-border flight. Interpol's red notice is a key tool in the global effort to apprehend Berezovska. The notice, posted on July 3, 2026, urges all member countries to locate and arrest the suspect pending extradition.
Monaco prosecutors are leading the investigation, with assistance from French and Italian authorities. The case underscores the complex security challenges posed by transnational crime and the targeting of sanctioned individuals. As the search continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about Berezovska's whereabouts to come forward.
