Woman disguised as man identified as suspect in Monaco bomb attack on sanctioned oligarch
A 39-year-old Ukrainian woman, Anastasia Berezovska, is wanted on an Interpol red notice after Monday's bombing at a Monte Carlo apartment building that seriously injured Vadim Ermolaev, a sanctioned Ukrainian-Cypriot businessman, and his partner. An international manhunt is underway after she fled to France and Italy.
The attack
On Monday evening, shortly after 21:00, an individual left a backpack containing an explosive device at the entrance of a small residential building in the Monte Carlo district of Monaco. The bomb detonated moments later, just as three residents, a couple and a 13-year-old boy, were entering the building. The blast caused severe injuries and panic in one of the principality’s most affluent neighbourhoods. Investigators believe the device may have been triggered remotely.
The suspect
Monaco’s deputy prosecutor, Morgan Raymond, confirmed that the prime suspect is a 39-year-old Ukrainian woman, Anastasia Berezovska, who had disguised herself as a man to avoid suspicion. CCTV footage shows the suspect wearing a black bucket hat and dark clothing. She had recently been living in Germany, with her last known address in the Main-Taunus district near Frankfurt. A red notice has been issued by Interpol, listing charges of attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public space with criminal intent, and conspiracy.
The individual who placed the explosive device did not act alone.
Victims and injuries
The attack targeted Vadim Ermolaev, a 58-year-old Ukrainian-born businessman with Cypriot citizenship. He suffered severe injuries but was later reported to be out of immediate danger. His partner, Anna Nasobina, sustained devastating wounds and both of her legs had to be amputated; she remains in critical condition. Her 13-year-old son, who was also caught in the explosion, suffered burns and shrapnel injuries but has been moved out of intensive care and is cooperating with investigators.
Manhunt and investigation
After the explosion, the suspect walked to the adjacent French town of Beausoleil, where she had parked a rental car with German license plates. She then drove towards the Italian border, possibly via Menton. Two men arrested earlier in the week were released without charge due to lack of evidence. On Thursday, Monaco issued an arrest warrant and requested the Interpol red notice. The following day, German police searched an apartment rented by Berezovska in the Main-Taunus area and seized a vehicle. The Hesse State Criminal Police Office (LKA) stated that evidence had been handed over to Monaco authorities. The investigation, led by three examining magistrates, is treating the case as a targeted attack rather than terrorism.
- Suspect places backpack bomb near apartment entrance in Monaco; explosion injures three people
- Suspect walks to Beausoleil, France, then drives rental car with German plates toward Italian border
- Monaco issues arrest warrant; Interpol red notice requested
- German police search apartment in Main-Taunus, seize vehicle; suspect believed to have fled
Background on the target
Ermolaev has been a resident of Monaco since at least 2021. Kyiv imposed sanctions on him in December 2023, alleging that he maintained an alcohol business in Russian-annexed Crimea and continued to pay taxes to Moscow even after the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. He denies the accusations. Authorities have not confirmed a motive for the bombing, but the possibility that it is linked to his business activities or sanctions is being examined.
