KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s Security Service announced Tuesday that the body of Ukrainian citizen Anastasiia Berezovska has been found. Berezovska had been sought by authorities in Monaco in connection with a bombing that targeted Ukrainian business tycoon Vadym Yermolaiev.
The Security Service, known by its Ukrainian abbreviation SBU, revealed that an officer from Ukraine’s military intelligence agency admitted to killing Berezovska with the assistance of a former law enforcement officer. The suspect claimed he acted on his own, without the knowledge or approval of his superiors.
The original bombing occurred on June 29 and reportedly targeted Yermolaiev, who has ties to Russia, along with members of his family. Three people were hurt in the blast, among them a child. The explosion sent shockwaves through Monaco — the glamorous coastal enclave known for its wealthy residents, tax advantages, royal family, and Formula 1 Grand Prix race. Monaco’s head of state, Prince Albert II, called the explosion “an odious act” and confirmed that all public services had been deployed to maintain security.
Interpol had previously identified 39-year-old Berezovska as the primary suspect in the bombing, issuing a Red Notice requesting her arrest on charges of attempted murder, placing an explosive device in a public area with criminal intent, and criminal conspiracy. On Tuesday, Interpol said it had no immediate statement to offer and noted that the Red Notice would remain active on its website until Monaco formally requested its removal.
SBU investigators zeroed in on the two suspects after uncovering evidence that they had repeatedly sent cryptocurrency and bank transfers to Berezovska. During searches of the former law enforcement officer’s home, authorities also discovered what the SBU described as a basement that resembled a torture chamber.
Berezovska’s body was located during a crime scene reconstruction based on one of the suspect’s accounts. She had suffered gunshot wounds to the head, and investigators recovered spent pistol casings at the location, according to the SBU.
Both men are now in custody, facing suspicion of premeditated murder.
The SBU said it has provided all relevant information to investigators in Monaco and is continuing efforts to identify who ordered and organized the original assassination attempt.
