Ukrainian Woman Suspected in Monaco Oligarch Bombing Found Dead Near Kyiv
Anastasia Berzovska, the Ukrainian woman suspected of planting the bomb that exploded last week in Monaco and severely injured Ukrainian oligarch Vadim Yermolaev, his alleged lover Anna Nesovina, and their 13-year-old son Ariel, was found dead near Kyiv. Ukrainian media reported that Berzovska was shot, with her body discovered late Monday night local time. She was identified by Interpol as the primary suspect and described as a German-speaking Ukrainian citizen wanted for attempted murder and conspiracy related to the bombing.
The explosion occurred last Monday evening at the entrance of a luxury building called "Palace of the Sun" in Monaco, where Yermolaev, Nesovina, and their son lived. Berzovska reportedly placed the bomb inside a backpack and detonated it remotely via mobile phone. Nesovina lost both legs, and both adults suffered severe shrapnel wounds and burns, while their son sustained less severe injuries. Initial reports mistakenly identified Yermolaev's wife as the injured woman, but it was later clarified that Nesovina was present at the scene.
Security footage showed Berzovska fleeing the scene wearing a black hat, allegedly to disguise herself as a man. She crossed into France on foot and likely traveled through Italy and possibly the Balkans before returning to Ukraine. Ukrainian authorities arrested two suspects following the discovery of her body, including a Ukrainian Defense Ministry intelligence officer and a former law enforcement official.
The attack is believed to be linked to Yermolaev's involvement in a large-scale European financial fraud scheme centered on service centers in Dnipro, valued at 100 million euros. His eldest son was arrested in Cyprus in 2025 and extradited to Estonia for his role in the fraud. The oligarch had many enemies, and Monaco was chosen as a residence for its reputed security. Monaco's Prime Minister Christophe Mirman described the assassination attempt as unprecedented in the principality's history.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about organized crime and corruption involving wealthy individuals in Monaco, a known tax haven attracting billionaires and celebrities. The investigation continues amid suspicions of mafia-style criminal networks operating in the region.
