The investigation into the Monaco bomb attack targeting Ukrainian businessman Vadim Ermolaev has taken another dramatic turn after Ukrainian authorities formally charged two men over the killing of the woman identified as the principal suspect, while investigators in Monaco continue to focus on identifying those who ordered the attack…
According to information released by Ukrainian prosecutors, the body believed to be that of Anastasiia Berezovska, the woman sought by Monaco under an international arrest warrant, was found buried near Kyiv after she had reportedly been shot several times in the head. An active officer of Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence and a former law enforcement officer have now both been charged with premeditated murder. Prosecutors have requested that both men remain in custody without the possibility of bail.
Ukrainian authorities say one of the suspects has confessed to the killing and admitted that his alleged accomplice was present during the execution. Investigators said the confession led to a reconstruction of events, enabling police to locate Berezovska’s body.
During searches linked to the arrests, authorities also uncovered what they described as a makeshift torture room beneath one suspect’s home. Video released by prosecutors showed bloodstains, plastic sheeting and various tools, prompting investigators to examine whether Berezovska may have been held there before her death.
Police believe Berezovska returned to Ukraine on July 1, two days after the Monaco explosion, and remained in contact with the two suspects, who allegedly transferred money, including cryptocurrency, to her accounts before her death.
Despite these developments, the motive for the Monaco attack and the identity of those who commissioned it remain unknown. Both Ukrainian and Monegasque authorities have confirmed that the investigation is now focused on identifying those who planned and ordered the attempted assassination, with close judicial cooperation continuing between the two countries.
We will continue to update on this issue throughout the day, when more information becomes available.