Suspected Assassin in Monaco Bombing Shot Dead Near Kyiv by Ukrainian Officer

Anastasia Berzovska, 39, suspected of planting a bomb in a luxury residential building in Monaco targeting Ukrainian-born Jewish businessman Vadim Yermolayev, was found shot dead near Kyiv. A serving Ukrainian military intelligence officer admitted to killing her with the help of a former law enforcement official but claimed he acted independently without his superiors' knowledge. Ukrainian security services located Berzovska's body during a reconstruction based on a suspect's testimony; she had a gunshot wound to the head, and shell casings were collected at the scene. Both men were arrested on suspicion of premeditated murder. Investigators uncovered financial links between Berzovska and the suspects, including bank transfers and cryptocurrency payments. During a search of the former officer's home, authorities found a basement resembling a torture chamber equipped with hammers and other tools.

Berzovska allegedly disguised herself as a man and planted the bomb on June 29 at the entrance of the building where Yermolayev lived. The explosion injured Yermolayev, his partner, and their 13-year-old son; the partner was seriously wounded, Yermolayev's condition stabilized, and the child's injuries were not life-threatening. Interpol issued a red notice last week for Berzovska on charges including attempted murder, placing an explosive in a public place, and criminal conspiracy. According to Monaco prosecutors, after the blast, she crossed into France on foot, rented a car, and fled through Italy to other European countries.

Yermolayev, originally from Dnipro, made his fortune in real estate and commerce as founder of the "Alf" group. He renounced Ukrainian citizenship in 2019 and obtained Cypriot citizenship. Ukraine sanctioned him in 2023 for allegedly continuing business activities in Crimea, occupied by Russia, which he denied, claiming his assets were forcibly seized. Despite sanctions, he supported Ukraine after the Russian invasion, donated to its armed forces, and condemned Moscow. Ukrainian sources have denied any involvement of their security services in the Monaco bombing. Ukrainian security services have shared their findings with Monaco investigators, and the search for those who ordered and organized the assassination attempt continues. The motive behind the bombing and Berzovska's killing has not yet been disclosed.