In brief
Following a parcel bomb in Monaco that injured a sanctioned Ukrainian billionaire and his family, Ukrainian security services report that the suspect, Anastasiia Berezovska, was found dead in the Kyiv region. Her body, buried under a forest, shows gunshot wounds to the head, suggesting she was murdered by two men, one a military intelligence officer. Investigators have charged both men with intentional murder through conspiracy, amid evidence of a possibly torturous basement at a suspect’s home and questions over the bomb’s true origins.
SBU Confirms Death of Monaco Bomb Suspect
The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) announced on 7 July that Anastasiia Berezovska, a 39‑year‑old woman from Ukraine, was found dead in a forest near Kyiv. The SBU says her body shows gunshot wounds to the head, indicating an execution‑type killing. "We are aware of the circumstances surrounding the murder," the agency added.
Connection to the Monaco Parcel Bomb Explosion
Berezovska was the alleged mastermind behind a bag‑packed bomb that exploded in the entrance hall of a luxury apartment building in Monaco on 29 June. The device injured three people, including a real‑estate developer who had been listed among the richest Ukrainians. Ukrainian authorities and Monaco law‑enforcement agreed to share all available information.
Suspects Facing Charges for Murder
Two men – one former law‑enforcement officer and the other an active officer of Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence – met Berezovska in a car two days after her arrival on 1 July. They allegedly travelled with her before killing her. The prosecution has charged each with "intentional murder committed by prior conspiracy by a group of persons." The criminal case has now tied to the Monaco bomb outbreak.
Evidence of a Torturous Basement Uncovered
During a search of the former law‑enforcement officer’s Kyiv home, police discovered a basement that could resemble a torture chamber. The basement, which the prosecutor general says "has no connection to Berezovska’s case," features a mat with blood spots, axes, a pickaxe, tarpaulin and a large bag. An image of this room was posted on the suspect’s office website.
Interpol Red Notice and International Manhunt
Interpol had issued a red notice for Berezovska, following her suspected involvement in placing an explosive device on a public road with criminal intent. The notice alerts police worldwide about a fugitive wanted for attempted murder.
Background on the Targeted Billionaire
The victim, Vadym Yermolaiev, is a real‑estate developer based in Monaco. Forbes ranked him as the 39th richest Ukrainian in 2020, with a reported fortune of $230 million. He holds major interests in the wine industry in Crimea, a region Russia has annexed, and has faced sanctions following pressure from Kyiv in 2023.
Correction — 7 July 2026: An earlier version of this article incorrectly suggested Berezovska was held in a basement belonging to a suspect. Authorities later clarified that the basement was unrelated to her murder but was included to illustrate the suspect’s profile.
